Non-dehiscent pygmy sesame variety sesaco 70

ABSTRACT

Pygmy sesame line ( Sesamum indicum  L.) having a homozygous allele (py/py) and improved non-dehiscence (IND) is disclosed. A variety thereof (py/py) sesame designated Sesaco 70 (S70) is herein disclosed. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S70 suitable for mechanized harvesting.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a new pygmy Sesamum indicum L. variety withimproved non-dehiscence appropriate for mechanized harvesting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sesame, or Sesamum indicum, is a tropical annual cultivated worldwidefor its oil and its nut flavored seeds. The sesame plant grows to aheight of about 52-249 cm, and at its leaf axils are found capsuleswhich contain the sesame seed. Upon maturity in nature, the capsulesholding the sesame seeds begin to dry down, the capsules normally splitopen, and the seeds fall out. Commercially, the harvester tries torecover as much seed as possible from mature capsules. From ancienttimes through the present, the opening of the capsule has been the majorfactor in attempting to successfully collect the seed. Harvestingmethods, weather, and plant characteristics all contribute to the amountof seed recovered.

The majority of the world's sesame is harvested manually. With manualnon-mechanized methods, it is desirable for the sesame seed to fallreadily from the plant. Manual harvesting is labor intensive. Efforts tomechanize or partially mechanize harvesting met with limited success.

A breakthrough was accomplished when non-dehiscent (ND) sesame wasdeveloped and patented by Derald Ray Langham. ND sesame was found topossess the proper characteristics which would enable mechanicalharvesting without the seed loss disadvantages reported with priorvarieties.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,100,452, 6,815,576, 6,781,031, 7,148,403, and 7,332,652each disclose and claim non-dehiscent sesame cultivars having variouscharacteristics.

An improved non-dehiscent sesame (IND) class of sesame was laterdeveloped by Derald Ray Langham. IND sesame, through increasedconstriction, better adhesion between the false membranes, and improvedplacenta attachment, holds more seed than prior sesame types, asmeasured four weeks after a crop is ready for harvest (could have beencombined). The IND characteristics offer advantages for certain growingapplications.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/041,257, filed Mar. 3, 2008discloses a method for breeding improved non-dehiscent sesame (IND).U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/041,205, filed Mar. 3, 2008discloses an improved non-dehiscent sesame cultivar S32, representativeseed having been deposited under ATCC accession number PTA-8888. S32 isa stable, commercially suitable sesame line providing improvednon-dehiscence, higher yield, and shorter drydown phase.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/049,705, filed Mar. 17, 2008discloses an improved non-dehiscent sesame cultivar S30, representativeseed having been deposited under ATCC accession number PTA-8887. S30 isa stable, commercially suitable sesame line providing improvednon-dehiscence, higher yield, and shorter drydown phase.

U.S. patent application Ser. No 12/533,972, filed Jul. 31, 2009discloses an improved non-dehiscent sesame cultivar S27, representativeseed having been deposited under ATCC accession number PTA-10184. S27 isa stable, commercially suitable sesame line providing improvednon-dehiscence, higher yield, and shorter drydown phase.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/565,095, filed Sep. 23, 2009discloses a non-dehiscent black sesame cultivar S55, representative seedhaving been deposited under ATCC accession number PTA-10185. S55 is astable, commercially suitable sesame line providing the only blacksesame that can be mechanically harvested.

Although sesame plants which are shorter than about 110 cm have beendeveloped in order to attempt to increase the harvest index (the weightof the seed divided by the weight of the plant to include the seed),heretofore no known sesame plant in this height range exhibited ND orIND characteristics. Without ND or IND characteristics, shorter sesameplants have to be manually harvested. Such shorter plants present adisadvantage in manual harvesting because the worker has to bend overfurther to make a cut below the lowest capsule.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention comprises a pygmy sesame line having a(py/py) allele and improved non-dehiscence.

In one aspect, the invention comprises a seed of sesame varietydesignated Sesaco 70 (S70), a sample of said seed having been depositedunder ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the lineage of S70.

FIG. 2 through 11 compare Sesaco 70 (S70) to the Sesaco patentedvarieties: Sesaco 25 (S25), Sesaco 26 (S26), Sesaco 27 (S27), Sesaco 28(S28), Sesaco 29 (S29), Sesaco 30 (S30), Sesaco 32 (S32), and Sesaco 55(S55).

FIG. 2 depicts a comparison of the percent of seed retention duringShaker Shatter Resistance testing from 1997 to 2008.

FIG. 3 depicts a comparison of the mean improved non-dehiscent visualrating in Uvalde, Tex., and Lorenzo, Tex., in 2008.

FIG. 4 depicts a comparison of the plant architecture in terms of Heightof the First Capsule and Capsule Zone Length in Uvalde, Tex., in 2008.

FIG. 5 depicts a comparison of the Average Internode Length withinCapsule Zone in Uvalde, Tex., in 2008.

FIG. 6 depicts a comparison of the number of capsule node pairs inUvalde, Tex., in 2008.

FIG. 7 depicts a comparison of the composite kill resistance ratings inUvalde, Tex., in 2008.

FIG. 8 depicts a comparison of the mean days to physiological maturityin Uvalde, Tex., in 2008.

FIG. 9 depicts a comparison of the yield at drydown in Uvalde, Tex., andLorenzo, Tex., in 2008.

FIG. 10 depicts a comparison of the mean weight of 100 seeds in gramsfrom 1997 to 2008.

FIG. 11 depicts a comparison of the lodging resistance rating in Uvalde,Tex., in 2007.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein disclosed is a new pygmy sesame variety designated Sesaco 70(S70), which is homozygous for a pygmy allele (py/py) and exhibitsimproved non-dehiscence (IND), rendering it suitable for mechanicalharvesting. The “pygmy” sesame described averages approximately 85 cm inheight, but the height may be somewhat greater than 85 cm or less than85 cm depending on the environment. The height measurement is made afterthe plants stop flowering.

The height of pygmy sesame is dependent on several environmentalfactors, including the amount of moisture, heat, fertility, andpopulation. Higher values for moisture, heat and fertility generallyinfluence an increase in height. In a high population, the height willonly increase if there is adequate fertility and moisture; otherwise,the height will be shorter. In low light intensities, the plants aregenerally taller. In the field, the range of heights for pygmy sesame isgenerally 52 to 110 cm.

Pygmy IND as disclosed herein is distinguishable from sesame heretoforedescribed as “dwarf” varieties (described in Japan, China and Korea).“Pygmy” IND is homozygous for a pygmy allele (py/py) and has a shorterHEIGHT OF THE PLANT (Character No. 5 in Table II), a lower HEIGHT OF THEFIRST CAPSULE (Character No. 6 in Table II), and a shorter AVERAGEINTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULE ZONE (Character No. 9 in Table II) thanall known varieties released and grown commercially in the world.

A pure pygmy line can be proved by crossing the line with a known pygmy(py/py). If all of the plants in the F1 of the cross with the knownpygmy exhibit a short height, low first capsule height, and shortinternode, the pygmy line in question is pure py/py. This is because thepygmy allele in a heterozygous condition (PY/py) does not exhibit theshorter height, lower first capsule, or shorter internode. In otherwords, heterozygous (PY/py) of the F1 generation, do not exhibit anyintermediate characters. Height, first capsule height, and internodelength are similar to the normal parent without the pygmy allele.

The pygmy sesame line of the invention can be planted using close rowspacing without exhibiting spindly stems which are generally exhibitedby other varieties planted in close row spacing. Pygmy sesame has ashorter AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULE ZONE which keeps theplants from exhibiting spindly stems, in comparison to prior varieties.By “close row spacing” it is meant that the rows are between about 15 toabout 30 cm apart, whereas standard row spacing is between about 76 andabout 102 cm apart. The ability to grow in close row spacing withoutexhibiting spindly stems prevents or inhibits lodging of the plants. Theshorter height presents less of a profile to wind, and there is lesslodging pressure. In addition, there are lower wind speeds closer to theground.

Close row spacing is advantageous because the plants provide a canopymore rapidly, thereby inhibiting weed growth. Weeds are “shaded out” bya canopy because weeds sprouting from the ground under the canopy die orare stunted from the lack of sunlight. By planting in closer rowspacing, the farmer has lower inputs (e.g. lower resources that are usedin farm production, such as chemicals, equipment, feed, seed, andenergy) since he does not have to cultivate (weed). Pygmy sesame plantedin 15 to 20 cm rows can be used in a method of sesame agriculture whichomits the step of cultivation. Omitting the cultivation is advantageousin that it reduces the growing costs since cultivation requires fuel(diesel), operator hours, and maintenance.

The pygmy sesame line of the invention can also thrive with more plantsper linear meter and make the practice of overplanting more productive.Farmers generally engage in the practice of overplanting in order toensure the maximum production of their acreage. If normal height sesameis planted, and the overplanting results in more than 10 plants perlinear meter, some plants will shade out others. The shaded plantseither die out, resulting in self-thinning, or survive as “minor plants”as defined in Langham, D. R. 2007. “Phenology of sesame,” In: J. Janickand A. Whipkey (ed.), Issues in New Crops and New Uses, ASHS Press,Alexandria, Va. The minor plants do not produce a commensurate amount ofseed for the moisture and nutrients that the minor plants use. Incontrast, when pygmy sesame according to the invention is overplanted,less shading occurs with a high population within a row. The minorplants are more productive.

The pygmy sesame of the invention also exhibits IND which allowsmechanical harvesting. The shorter height of the pygmy sesame IND ascompared with other IND provides an advantage in harvesting. Shorterplants are easier to combine with modern equipment because the reel doesnot push the plants forward before pulling them into the combine header.As a result there is less shatter loss and fewer plants that are pushedforward under the header. Within the combine header, the pygmy plants donot bridge over the auger as do taller varieties. In addition, by havinga higher harvest index it is easier to separate the sesame from thetrash in the combine.

Pygmy sesame lines have shown higher yields than existing varieties inlow input conditions (less moisture and/or fertility) because theyexpend fewer resources making stems and leaves and use the scarceresources in making seed.

In the subsequent paragraphs, further detail about the pygmy sesame lineof the invention and comparisons with other sesame lines is provided.

Sesame plants have been studied for their response to seasonal andclimatic changes and the environment in which they live during thedifferent phases and stages of growth and development. This type ofstudy, called “phenology” has been documented by the inventor inLangham, D. R. 2007. “Phenology of sesame,” In: J. Janick and A. Whipkey(ed.), Issues in New Crops and New Uses, ASHS Press, Alexandria, Va.,referenced supra.

Table I summarizes the phases and stages of sesame, and will be usefulin describing the present invention.

TABLE I Phases and stages of sesame Abbre- No. Stage/Phase viation Endpoint of stage DAP^(z) weeks Vegetative VG Germination GR Emergence 0-51− Seedling SD 3^(rd) pair true leaf length =  6-25 3− 2^(nd) JuvenileJV First buds 26-37 1+ Pre-reproductive PP 50% open flowers 38-44 1−Reproductive RP Early bloom EB 5 node pairs of capsules 45-52 1 Midbloom MB Branches/minor plants 53-81 4 stop flowering Late bloom LB 90%of plants with 82-90 1+ no open flowers Ripening RI Physiologicalmaturity  91-106 2+ (PM) Drying DR Full maturity FM All seed mature107-112 1− Initial drydown ID 1^(st) dry capsules 113-126 2 Late drydownLD Full drydown 127-146 3 ^(z)DAP = days after planting. These numbersare based on S26 in 2004 Uvalde, Texas, under irrigation.

There are several concepts and terms that are used in this document thatshould be defined. In the initial drydown stage in Table I, the capsulesbegin to dry and open. This stage ends when 10% of the plants have oneor more dry capsules. The late drydown stage ends when the plants aredry enough so that upon harvest, the seed has a moisture of 6% or less.At this point some of the capsules have been dry for 5 weeks in theexample used in Table I, but in other environments for other varieties,the drying can stretch to 7 weeks. The “ideal harvest time” is at theend of the late drying stage. At this point, a combine (also sometimesreferred to as a combine harvester, a machine that combines the tasks ofharvesting, threshing, and cleaning grain crops) can be used to cut andthresh the plants and separate the seed from the undesired plantmaterial. However, at times, weather may prevent harvest at the idealtime. The plants may have to remain in the field for as much as anadditional four weeks, and in some cases even longer. Thus, time t₀corresponds to the ideal harvest time and time t₁, which corresponds tothe time the grower actually harvests the sesame is a time later thantime t₀.

Sesame cultivar Sesaco 70 (hereinafter “S70”) is a variety whichexhibits Improved Non-Dehiscence (IND) characteristics and desirablecharacteristics which make it a commercially suitable sesame line. INDcharacteristics are defined in comparison to non-dehiscence (ND)characteristics first described and defined by the inventor in U.S. Pat.No. 6,100,452. Compared to ND sesame, IND sesame has more seed in thecapsules when measured between 4 and 9 weeks after the ideal harvesttime.

Without wishing to be bound by one particular theory, it is believedthat this increased amount of seed in the capsules is may be due to theIND variety having the ability to better withstand adverse environmentalconditions such as inclement or harsh weather. Examples of adverseweather conditions as to which IND has been subjected to in this regardare rain, fog, dew, and wind. S70 variety has been tested and meets thecriteria of IND.

Filed and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/041,257,filed Mar. 3, 2008 is herein incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein. This application discloses Improved Non-Dehiscent Sesameand the present invention. S70 is an example of a variety which resultedfrom breeding methods described therein. Concurrently filed and commonlyowned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/769,475, Attorney DocketNumber SESA 3700 PTUS is herein incorporated by reference as if fullyset forth herein. This patent discloses Pygmy Sesame Plants forMechanical Harvesting and the present invention. S70 is an example of avariety which resulted from breeding methods described therein.

S70 exhibits improved shatter resistance, acceptable resistance tocommon fungal diseases, and a maturity that allows a wide geographicalrange. Further, S70 exhibits higher yield in geographical locationsdesirable for sesame planting, and exhibits desirable seed size and seedcolor. S70 is suitable for planting in areas that have approximately a21° C. ground temperature when planted in the spring and nighttemperatures above 5° C. for normal termination. An exemplary desirablegeographical area for S70 is from South Texas at the Rio Grande tosouthern Kansas and from east Texas westward to elevations below 1,000meters.

Other exemplary areas are areas of the United States or of the worldwhich areas have similar climatic conditions and elevations.

The pedigree method of plant breeding was used to develop S70. Sesame isgenerally self-pollinated. Crossing is done using standard techniques asdelineated in Yermanos, D. M. 1980. “Sesame. Hybridization of cropplants,” Am Soc Agronomy-Crop Sci of America, pp. 549-563 and U.S. Pat.No. 6,100,452. Ashri provides an overview of sesame breeding in Ashri,A. (1998). “Sesame breeding,” Plant Breed. Rev. 16:179-228 and Ashri, A.2007. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). In: R. J. Singh, Ed., GeneticResources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement, Vol. 4, OilseedCrops, p. 231-289, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., USA.

The lineage of S70 is presented in FIG. 1.

K28p (1) was a line obtained from Churl Kahn from the Republic of Koreain 1992 and first planted in the Gilleland nursery (Uvalde, Tex.) in1993. Within Sesaco, K28 first carried the identifier 1838 and was laterchanged to TK28 and then to TK28p.

G8 (2) was a line obtained from D. G. Langham in 1977 and first plantedby Sesaco in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It was aselection from the cultivar ‘Guacara’ which D. G. Langham developed inVenezuela in the 1950s. Guacara was an initial selection from a crossthat later produced one of the major varieties in Venezuela—Aceitera.Within Sesaco, G8 first carried the identifier X011 and was laterchanged to TG8.

111 (3) was a line obtained from the NPGS (PI173955) in 1979 and firstplanted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. NPGSobtained it in 1949 from W. N. Koelz, USDA, Beltsville, Md. who obtainedit from India. Within Sesaco, 111 first carried the identifier 0858 andwas then changed to X111. In 1985, a selection of this line becameSesaco 4 (S04).

192 (4) was a line obtained from the M. L. Kinman in 1980 and firstplanted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. Theline was originally T61429-B-4-1-3 from the Kinman USDA sesame program,College Station, Tex., which had been in cold storage at Ft. Collins,Colo. In 1997, the line was transferred to the NPGS, Griffin, Ga. andgiven the identifier PI599462. Within Sesaco, 192 first carried theidentifier 1479 and then was changed to X191 and X193. In 1985, aselection from X193 became Sesaco 3 (S03) and a selection of X191 becameSesaco 7 (S07).

V52 (5) was a cultivar designated as SF075 obtained from the SesamumFoundation (D. G. Langham, Fallbrook, Calif.) collection in 1977 andfirst planted by Sesaco in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978.The Sesamum Foundation obtained it from B. Mazzani (Maracay, Venezuela)in 1960. Originally, it was a cultivar known as Venezuela 52 developedby D. G. Langham in the 1940s. Within Sesaco, V52 first carried theidentifier 0075 and was later changed to TV52.

SOMALIA (6) was a line obtained from the NGPS (PI210687) in 1979 andfirst planted in Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. The NGPSobtained it from the Administrazione Fiduciaria Italiana della Somalia,Mogadishu, Somalia. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 0730.

118 (7) was a line obtained from the NGPS (PI425944) in 1979 and firstplanted in Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. The NGPS obtained itin 1978 from P. F. Knowles, University of California, Davis, Calif., whocollected it in Pakistan. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 1118and then changed to X118 and then to T118.

193 (8) was a selection from 192 which was a line obtained from the M.L. Kinman in 1980 and first planted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery(Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. The line was originally T61429-B-4-1-3 fromthe Kinman USDA sesame program, College Station, Tex., which had been incold storage at Ft. Collins, Colo. In 1997, the line was transferred tothe NPGS, Griffin, Ga. and given the identifier PI599462. Within Sesaco,192 first carried the identifier 1479 and then was changed to X191 andX193. In 1985, a selection from X193 became Sesaco 3 (503) and aselection of X191 became Sesaco 7 (507).

MAX (9) was a line designated as SF116 obtained from the SesamumFoundation (D. G. Langham, Fallbrook, Calif.) in 1977 and first plantedin the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. The Sesamum Foundationobtained it from Maximo Rodriguez in 1961. He had collected it fromMexico where it was known as Instituto Regional Canasta. Within Sesaco,it carried the identifier 0116 and then changed to TMAX.

R234 (10) was a named variety obtained from D. M. Yermanos in 1978 fromhis sesame program at the University of California at Riverside. It wasfirst planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. WithinSesaco, it carried the identifier 0544 and then changed to T234.

958 (11) was a line obtained from the Sesamum Foundation in 1977 andfirst planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It wasobtained with a designator of SF411 and was named G958-1. The SesamumFoundation obtained it from John Martin in 1962 who had obtained it fromthe D. G. Langham breeding program in Venezuela. Within Sesaco, G958-1carried the identifier 0411.

982 (12) was a line obtained from the Sesamum Foundation in 1977 andfirst planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It wasobtained with a designator of SF477 and was named G53.98-2. The SesamumFoundation obtained it from John Martin in 1962 who had obtained it fromthe D. G. Langham breeding program in Venezuela. G53.98-2 was a crossmade by D. G. Langham in 1953 in Guacara, Venezuela. Within Sesaco, 982carried the identifier 0477 and then changed to T982.

G53.80-1 (13) was a line obtained from the Sesamum Foundation in 1977and first planted in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ari.) in 1978. It wasobtained with a designator of SF471. The Sesamum Foundation obtained itfrom John Martin in 1962 who had obtained it from the D. G. Langhambreeding program in Venezuela. G53.80-1 was a cross made by D. G.Langham in 1953 in Guacara, Venezuela. Within Sesaco, G53.80-1 carriedthe identifier 0471.

701 (14) was a line obtained from the NGPS (PI292145) in 1979 and firstplanted in Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. The NGPS obtained itin 1963 from Hybritech Seed International, a unit of Monsanto, U.S.,which obtained it from Israel. In viewing this material in 1986, A.Ashri of Israel concluded that it was an introduction to Israel. Thematerial is similar to introductions from the Indian subcontinent.Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier 0701 and then changed to X701.In 1984, a selection from X701 became Sesaco 5 (505).

111X (15) was an outcross in the 111 (2) plot BT0458 in the Nickersonnursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifierE0745 and later changed to T111X.

888 (16) was a cross between 192 (4) and V52 (5) made by Sesaco in theNickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, 888 firstcarried the identifier F888 and then changed to T888.

H6778 (17) was a cross between Somalia (6) and 118 (7) made by Sesaco inthe Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carriedthe identifier H6778.

R234 TALL (18) was an outcross in the R234 (10) strip in the Kammannursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. Within Sesaco, it carried theidentifier X026.

045 (19) was a cross between G8 (2) and 958 (11) made by Sesaco in theKamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. Within Sesaco, it carried theidentifier B045 and then changed to T045.

036 (20) was a cross between 982 (12) and G53.80-1 (13) made by Sesacoin the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. Within Sesaco, itcarried the identifier CO36 and then X036. In 1984, a selection fromX036 became Sesaco 6 (S06).

195 (21) was an outcross selected in the 192 (4) in plot MN4584 in theMcElhaney nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1983. Within Sesaco, it carriedthe identifier E0690 and then changed to X195.

S11 (22) was a cross between G8 (2) and 111X (15) made by Sesaco in theNickerson nursery (Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it has carriedthe identifier F804; in 1988, a selection of this line became Sesaco 11(S11).

076 (23) was a cross between MAX (9) and R234 TALL (18) made by Sesacoin the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1979. Within Sesaco, itcarried the identifier C076 and then changed to T076.

H6432 (24) was a cross between 193 (8) and 076 (23) made between bySesaco in the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco,it carried the identifier H6432.

H6785 (25) was a cross between 045 (19) and 036 (20) made by Sesaco inthe Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carriedthe identifier H6785.

H6562 (26) was a cross between 195 (21) and 701 (14) made by Sesaco inthe Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carriedthe identifier H6562.

J3208 (27) was a cross between H6778 (17) and H6432 (24) made by Sesacoin the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1985. Within Sesaco, itcarried the identifier J3208.

J3222 (28) was a cross between H6785 (25) and H6562 (26) made by Sesacoin the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1985. Within Sesaco, itcarried the identifier J3222.

K3255 (29) was a cross between J3208 (27) and J3222 (28) made by Sesacoin the Hancock nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1986. Within Sesaco, itcarried the identifier K3255.

88F (30) was a cross between S11 (22) and 888 (16) made by Sesaco in theSharp nursery (Roll, Ariz.) in 1988. Within Sesaco, it carried theidentifier LCE01 and then changed to X88F and then T88F.

S16 (31) was a cross between K3255 (29) and S11 (22) made by Sesaco inthe Wright nursery (Roll, Ariz.) in 1987. Within Sesaco, it carried theidentifier KAP11 and then changed to XFXA. In 1991, a selection fromXFXA became Sesaco 16 (S16).

702 (32) was a line obtained from the NGPS (PI292146) in 1979 and firstplanted in Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. The NGPS obtained itin 1963 from Hybritech Seed International, a unit of Monsanto, U.S.,which obtained it from Israel. In viewing this material in 1986, A.Ashri of Israel concluded that it was an introduction to Israel. Thematerial is similar to introductions from the Indian subcontinent.Within Sesaco, it has carried the identifier 0702.

BI791 (33) was a cross between 88F (30) and S16 (31) made by Sesaco inthe Gilleland nursery (Uvalde, Tex.) in 1992. Within Sesaco, it carriedthe identifier BI791.

72A (34) was an outcross selected in the 702 (15) strip SL2140 in theRamsey nursery in 1984. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier X702Aand then T72A.

S17 (35) was a cross between S11 (22) and 72A (34) made by Sesaco in theWright nursery (Roll, Ariz.) in 1987. Within Sesaco, it carried theidentifier KAN22 and then changed to X7AB. In 1992, a selection fromX7AB because Sesaco 17 (S17).

S27 (36) was a cross between BI791 (33) and S17 (35) made by Sesaco inthe Friesenhahn nursery (Knippa, Tex.) in 1994. Within Sesaco, itcarried the identifier, CM586 and then changed to X88K. A selectionbecame Sesaco 27 (S27).

S70 (37) was a cross between K28p (1) and S27 (36) made by Sesaco in theGilleland nursery (Uvalde, Tex.) in Year 1 (hereinafter “Year” isabbreviated as “YR”). The original designator was KK654.

The seed (K654) was planted in plot XR05 in the Schwartz nursery (Wall,Tex.) in YR2. Two plants were selected because they had a good internodelength.

The seed of one of the plants (0471) was planted in plot 2470 in thePanther City nursery (Batesville, Tex.) in YR3. Two volunteer plantsfrom seed that had fallen from the plot were selected based on hold on avery low plant at the end of the nursery.

The seed from one of the plants (3623) was planted in plot D018 in theChapman nursery (Lorenzo, Tex.) in YR4. The designator was changed todK654. One plant was selected based on final hold at the end of thenursery, a long capsule zone on a short plant, and very good lodgingafter winds over 50 MPH.

The seed from this plant (1804) was planted in plot B501 in the Chapmannursery in YRS. Two bulks were selected based on being taller thansister selections, very low plant height with a short internode length,and good hold at the end of the nursery.

The seed from these bulks (2209, and 2286) were planted in 2 plots (WE01and WE04) in the Gilleland nursery and 2 plots (D001 and D004) in theChapman nursery in YR6. Four bulks were selected from these 4 plotsbased on having excellent hold on the last day of the nurseries. Thedesignator was changed to XD55p.

The seed from these four bulks were planted in strips (VF54n throughVF71 n) in the Gilleland nursery in YR7. Most of the seed from thesestrips was harvested for testing in farmer fields.

The materials were bulked and planted on farmer experimental fields fortesting under commercial conditions in 2008. The seed was designatedS70.

Along with breeding programs, tissue culture of sesame is currentlybeing practiced in such areas of the world as Korea, Japan, China,India, Sri Lanka and the United States. One of ordinary skill in the artmay utilize sesame plants grown from tissue culture as parental lines inthe production of non-dehiscent sesame. Further IND sesame may bepropagated through tissue culture methods. By means well known in theart, sesame plants can be regenerated from tissue culture having all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of the source plant.

The present invention includes the seed of sesame variety S70 depositedunder ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272; a sesame plant or parts thereofproduced by growing the seed deposited under ATCC Accession No.PTA-9272; sesame plants having all the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of sesame variety S70; and sesame plants having all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of a sesame plantproduced by growing the seed deposited under ATCC Accession No.PTA-9272. The present invention also includes a tissue culture ofregenerable cells produced from the seed having been deposited underATCC Accession No. PTA-9272 or a tissue culture of regenerable cellsfrom sesame variety S70 or a part thereof produced by growing the seedof sesame variety S70 having been deposited under ATCC Accession No.PTA-9272. A sesame plant regenerated from a tissue culture ofregenerable cells produced from the seed having been deposited underATCC Accession No. PTA-9272 or from sesame variety S70, wherein theregenerated sesame plant has all the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of sesame variety S70 is also contemplated by thepresent invention. Methods of producing sesame seed, comprising crossinga first parent sesame plant with a second parent sesame plant, whereinthe first or second parent sesame plant was produced by seed having beendeposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-9272 is part ofthe present invention.

Unless otherwise stated, as used herein, the term plant includes plantcells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which sesameplants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, plant cells thatare intact in plants, or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen,ovules, flowers, capsules, stems, leaves, seeds, roots, root tips, andthe like. Further, unless otherwise stated, as used herein, the termprogeny includes plants derived from plant cells, plant protoplasts,plant cell tissue cultures from which sesame plants can be regenerated,plant calli, plant clumps, plant cells that are intact in plants, orparts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, ovules, flowers, capsules,stems, leaves, seeds, roots, root tips, and the like.

Sesame cultivar S70 has been tested experimentally over several yearsunder various growing conditions ranging from South Texas to NorthernTexas. Sesame cultivar S70 has shown uniformity and stability within thelimits of environmental influence for the characters listed in Table IIbelow. Table II provides the name, definition, and rating scale of eachcharacter as well as the method by which the character is measured.Under the rating section, the rating for S70 is presented in bold text.Additionally, the distribution of the character in Sesaco's sesamedevelopment program is indicated under the rating section. Sesaco usesslightly different character specifications from “Descriptors forsesame”, AGP:IBPGR/80/71, IBPGR Secretariat, Rome, (1981) and from theform “Sesame (Sesamum indicum)”, U.S. Department of Agriculture PlantVariety Protection Office, Beltsville, Md. The descriptors in thosedocuments were developed in the early 1980s and have not been updated toincorporate new concepts in sesame data collection.

Table II provides characteristics of S70 for forty-four (44) traits.Numerical ratings and values reported in this table were experimentallydetermined for S70 with prior sesame varieties in side by sidereplicated trials. Actual numerical values and ratings for a givenvariety will vary according to the environment, and the values andratings provided in Table II were obtained in the environment specifiedin the parenthetical following the S70 rating. Tables IV and V provide adirect comparison between the new S70 variety and the prior varietiesthus demonstrating the relative differences between the varieties in theside by side trials.

TABLE II Characters Distinguishing the S70 Line Character RatingMethodology (1) BRANCHING S70 genotype = B The amount of branching onany STYLE S70 phenotype = U particular plant depends on the space Thepotential amount of (All crops, all nurseries) around the plant. In highpopulations, true branching in a line Subjective rating based onbranching can be suppressed. This rating the following values: should bebased on potential as expressed U = Uniculm - no on end plants andplants in the open. branching except weak True branches start in theleaf axil branches in open below the first flower, and they begin to B =True branches emerge before the first open flower. As When S70 iscrossed with long as there is light into the leaf axils, other uniculmlines without there will be additional branches that start pygmy alleles(py/py) below the first branches in subsequently (Character No. 10),there lower nodes. Weak branches occur when will be branching in the F1a plant is in the open. They develop in the generation. This indicateslowest node pairs and subsequent that S70 has branching branches startat higher nodes. There are genes that are not lines that will not branchin any expressed because little circumstance. light reaches the junctionSome lines in the open will put on of the petiole to the stemspontaneous branches late in the cycle. where branches emerge. True andweak branches do not have a Thus, S70 has a branching capsule in thesame leaf axil, whereas the genotype but a uniculm spontaneous branchesform under the phenotype. capsule after the capsule has formed.Distribution within Sesaco Spontaneous branches are not counted as basedon stable lines in branches. the crossing program in There are rarelines where the flowering 1982-2001 (Total number pattern is to put onflowers on lower nodes of samples tested = 1,333) late in the cycle. Inthis case, the capsule U = 42.4% is formed after the branch isdeveloped. B = 57.6% This pattern should not be termed spontaneousbranching, and the branch is normally counted as a true branch. Thereare branched lines that have secondary branches on the branches. In afew cases, there can be tertiary branches. Additional branches generallyappear in low populations. COMMENTS: the effects of light appear to havemore of an effect on branching than moisture and fertility. Highpopulations suppress branching. There must be light to the growing tipin order for a branch to develop. (2) NUMBER OF S70 = 1 Rating can betaken from about 60 days CAPSULES PER LEAF (All crops, all nurseries)after planting through to the end of the AXIL Subjective rating based oncrop. The predominant the following values: NUMBER OF CAPSULES PER LEAFnumber of capsules per 1 = Single AXIL is highly dependent on moisture,leaf axil in the middle 3 = Triple fertility, and light. In triplecapsule lines, the half of the capsule zone Based on potential ascentral capsule forms first, and axillary described in the methodologycapsules follow a few days later. Triple presented herein capsule lineshave the potential to put on Distribution within Sesaco axillaries, butwill not do so if plants do not based on stable lines in have adequatemoisture and/or fertility. In the crossing program in droughtconditions, some triple capsule 1982-2001 (Total number lines willproduce only a central capsule for of samples tested = 1,327) manynodes. In these lines, when there is 1 = 58.3% adequate moisture throughrain or irrigation, 3 = 41.7% some will add axillary capsules on onlynew nodes, while others will add axillary capsules to all nodes. Sometriple capsule lines will not put on axillary capsules if there is nodirect sunlight on the leaf axil. To date, lines with single capsuleshave nectaries next to the central capsule in the middle of the capsulezone while triple capsules do not. However, some lines have what appearto be nectaries on the lower capsules of triple lines, but upon closeexamination, they are buds which may or may not eventually develop intoa flower and then a capsule. In most triple capsule lines, the lower andupper nodes have single capsules. There are some lines where the endplants can put on 5 capsules/leaf axil and a few that have the potentialto put on 7 capsules/leaf axil. 5 and 7 capsules only appear with openplants with high moisture and fertility. In some environments, singlecapsule lines will put on multiple capsules on 1 node and rarely on upto 5 nodes. These lines are not considered triple capsule lines. (3)MATURITY CLASS S70 = M for 98 days The basis for this data point is DAYSThe maturity of a line in (Uvalde nursery^(a,) 2005-2008) TOPHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY relation to a standard Subjective rating based on(Character No. 30). S24 was the standard line. Currently, the thefollowing values: line to be used to compute MATURITY standard line isS26 at V = Very early (<85 days) CLASS in previous patents. In1998-2001, 99 days E = Early (85-94 days) the maturity of S24 averaged95 days in M = Medium (95-104 the Uvalde, TX, nursery. Through 2006,days) the standard was adjusted using S24. S26 L = Late (105-114 days)was selected to establish a new standard. T = Very late (>114 days) In2001-2006 S26 averaged 4 days longer Distribution within Sesaco thanS24. For each line, the physiological based on stable lines in maturityfor each year is subtracted by the the crossing program in S26 maturityfor that year in that nursery, 1998-2001 (Total number and then thenumber of days of difference of samples tested = 650) is averaged. Theaverage is then added to V = 1.2% 99. E = 26.8% See DAYS TOPHYSIOLOGICAL M = 56.2% MATURITY (Character No. 30) for the L = 12.9%effects of the environment on MATURITY T = 2.9% CLASS. (4) PLANT S70 =U1M (phenotype) The first character is the BRANCHING PHENOTYPE (Allcrops; all nurseries) STYLE (Character No. 1), followed by the A threecharacter Subjective rating based on NUMBER OF CAPSULES PER LEAFdesignation that the following values: AXIL (Character No. 2), and thenthe provides the branching BRANCHING STYLE MATURITY CLASS (Character No.3). style, number of U = Uniculm - no When these characters are placedin a capsules per leaf axil, branching except weak matrix, there are 20potential phenotypes. and the maturity class branches in open Thephenotype provides an overview of B = True branches the generalappearance of the plant. There NUMBER OF CAPSULES is a very highcorrelation between PER LEAF AXIL MATURITY CLASS and HEIGHT OF 1 =Single PLANT (Character No. 5). 3 = Triple MATURITY CLASS V = Very early(<85 days) E = Early (85-94 days) M = Medium (95-104 days) L = Late(105-114 days) T = Very late (>114 days) Distribution within Sesacobased on stable lines in the crossing program in 1998-2001 (Total numberof samples tested = 650) U1V = 0% U3V = 1.1% U1E = 3.8% U3E = 8.3% U1M =16.0% U3M = 12.0% U1L = 3.4% U3L = 2.2% U1T = 0.5% U3T = 0.6% B1V = 0%B3V = 0.2% B1E = 8.0% B3E = 6.3% B1M = 23.2% B3M = 4.8% B1L = 6.5% B3L =1.0% B1T = 1.6 B3T = 0.4% (5) HEIGHT OF PLANT S70 = 85 cm Themeasurement is made after the The height of the plant (Uvalde nursery,2008) plants stop flowering. For plants that are from the ground to theValue based on an the not erect or have lodged, the plant should top ofthe highest average of a minimum of be picked up for the measurement. Inmost capsule with viable three plants (unit of lines the highest capsuleis on the main seed measure: cm) stem. In lines with the dt/dt allelesDistribution within Sesaco (determinate), the highest capsule is onbased on stable lines in the branches. the crossing program in COMMENTS:this height is dependent 1999-2001 (Total number on the amount ofmoisture, heat, fertility, of samples tested = 2,274) and population.Increased values generally low = 56 cm; high = 249 cm increase theheight. In a high population, 1 = <94.6 cm; 5.2% the height will onlyincrease if there is 2 = <133.2 cm; 34.6% adequate fertility andmoisture; otherwise, 3 = <171.8 cm; 54.9% the height will be shorter. Inlow light 4 = <210.4 cm; 5.1% intensities, the heights are generallytaller. 5 = >210.3 cm; 0.1% avg. = 134.8 cm, std = 23.5 6) HEIGHT OFFIRST S70 = 27 cm The measurement is made after the CAPSULE (Uvaldenursery, 2008) plants stop flowering. For plants that are The height ofthe first Value based on an the not erect or have lodged, the plantshould capsule from the average of a minimum of be picked up for themeasurement. In most ground to the bottom of three plants (unit oflines, the lowest capsule is on the main the lowest capsule on measure:cm) stem. True branches have capsules higher the main stem Distributionwithin Sesaco than on the main stem except when the based on stablelines in flowers fall off the main stem. the crossing program inOccasionally, on weak branches, the 1999-2001 (Total number lowestcapsule is on the branches. of samples tested = 2,274) There are linesthat flower in the lower low = 20 cm; high = 193 cm nodes late in thecycle, and, thus, the 1 = <54.6 cm; 52.7% measurement should be takenafter 2 = <89.2 cm; 45.5% flowering ends. In many lines the first 3 =<123.8 cm; 1.5% flower does not make a capsule, and, thus, 4 = <158.4cm; 0.3% this height may not be the same as the 5 = >158.3 cm; 0.1%height of the first flower. avg. = 54.2 cm, std = 14.3 COMMENTS: seeHEIGHT OF PLANT (Character No. 5) for effects of environmental factors(7) CAPSULE ZONE S70 = 58 cm The measurement is derived by LENGTH(Uvalde nursery, 2008) subtracting the HEIGHT OF FIRST The length of theValue based on an the CAPSULE (Character No. 6) from the capsule zone.The average of a minimum of HEIGHT OF PLANT (Character No. 5). capsulezone extends three plants (unit of COMMENTS: see HEIGHT OF PLANT fromthe bottom of the measure: cm) (Character No. 5) for effects of lowestcapsule on the Distribution within Sesaco environmental factors mainstem to the top of based on stable lines in the highest capsule with thecrossing program in viable on the main 1999-2001 (Total number stem. ofsamples tested = 2,274) low = 18 cm; high = 188 cm 1 = <52 cm; 4.7% 2 =<86 cm; 53.5% 3 = <120 cm; 41.3% 4 = <154 cm; 0.5% 5 = >153.9 cm; 0.1%avg. = 80.6 cm, std = 17.2 (8) NUMBER OF S70 = 28 pairs The count ismade after the plants stop CAPSULE NODE (Uvalde nursery, 2008)flowering. On opposite and alternate PAIRS Value based on an thearranged leaves, each pair of leaves is The number of capsule average ofa minimum of counted as one node pair. In some lines, node pairs fromthe three plants (unit of there are three leaves per node for at leastlowest capsule node to measure: number) part of the plant, and those arecounted as the highest node with Distribution within Sesaco one nodepair. In some plants, flowers may capsules with viable based on stablelines in not have produced capsules on one or seed on the main stem thecrossing program in more of the leaf axils in a node. These of the plant1999-2001 (Total number node pairs should still be counted. Node ofsamples tested = 2154) pairs on the branches are not counted. low = 10;high = 54 In years when the amount of moisture 1 = <18.8; 17.9%available to the plant is irregular, node 2 = <27.6; 48.3% pairs canbecome very irregular, 3 = <36.4; 29.5% particularly on triple capsulelines. In the 4 = <45.2; 3.6% upper portions of the plant, it may become5 = >45.1; 0.7% easier to count the capsule clusters and avg. = 25.3,std = 6.4 divide by 2. While it is possible to count node pairs afterleaves have fallen, it is much easier to count while the leaves arestill on the plant. COMMENTS: the number of node pairs is dependent onthe amount of moisture and fertility. Higher moisture and fertilityincreases the number of node pairs. (9) AVERAGE S70 = 2.1 cm Divide theCAPSULE ZONE LENGTH INTERNODE LENGTH (Uvalde nursery, 2007) (CharacterNo. 7) by the NUMBER OF WITHIN CAPSULE Value based on an the CAPSULENODE PAIRS (Character No. ZONE average of a minimum of 8). The averageinternode three plants (unit of COMMENTS: this length is dependentlength within the measure: cm) on the amount of moisture, fertility, andcapsule zone Distribution within Sesaco population. Increased valuesgenerally based on stable lines in increase the length. In a highpopulation, the crossing program in the length will only increase ifthere is 1999-2001 (Total number adequate fertility and moisture;otherwise of samples tested = 2145) the length will be shorter. In lowlight low = 1.09 cm; high = 8.09 cm intensities, the lengths aregenerally 1 = <2.49 cm; 6.2% longer. 2 = <3.89 cm; 74.6% Pastmethodologies have measured the 3 = <5.29 cm; 18.6% internode length atthe middle of the 4 = <6.69 cm; 0.4% capsule zone. Some have measured itat 5 = >6.68 cm; 0.1% the median node and others at the median avg. =3.35 cm, std = 0.66 CAPSULE ZONE LENGTH. (10) PRESENCE OF S70 = py/py Inthe homogygous condition. the pygmy PYGMY ALLELES (All crops; allnurseries) allele (py) reduces the HEIGHT OF THE The pygmy allele is apy/py = homozygous PLANT (Character No. 5), the HEIGHT OF new recessivegene pygmy alleles THE FIRST CAPSULE (Character No. 6), that affects thegrowth PY/py = heterozygous and the AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH of thesesame plant. pygmy alleles WITHIN CAPSULE ZONE (Character No. PY/PY =normal (no 9). In the heterozygous state, there are no pygmy alleles)reductions in the characters. In a cross Distribution within Sesacobetween a homozygous pygmy and a based on stable lines in normal, thepygmy allele is a recessive the collection as of 2009 gene that will notshow the shorter heights (Total number of lines = and internode lengthsuntil segregating in 40,715) the F2 generation, with no intermediatespy/py = 145 between the pygmy and the normal line. A PY/py = 629homozygous pygmy selected in the F2, Normal = 39,941 from the F3generation on is pure in its effects on the three characters. Withinpygmy lines there are differences in the 3 characters, but all of thepygmies differ from the normal lines. The name “pygmy” was chosenbecause these lines are shorter than dwarf lines that have been in theworld germplasm for many years. The dwarf lines share the same threecharacters, but there are intermediates in the F2 generation and rarelyany plants as short as the original dwarf. (11) YIELD AT S70 = 1,220kg/ha On 3 replicated plots, when the plants DRYDOWN (Uvalde nursery,2008) are dry enough for direct harvest, cut a An extrapolation of theS70 = 742 kg/ha minimum of 1/5,000 of a hectare in the plot yield of afield by taking (Lorenzo nursery, 2008)^(b) (Sesaco uses 1/2620), andplace the sample yields Values based on the plants in a cloth bag.Thresh the sample in average of a minimum of a plot thresher and weighthe seed. three replications (unit of Multiply the weight by theappropriate measure: kg/ha) multiplier based on area taken to provideDistribution within Sesaco the extrapolated yield in kg/ha. based onstable lines in In the Almaco thresher there is about the crossingprogram in 3% trash left in the seed. Since yields are 1999-2001 (Totalnumber comparative, there is no cleaning of the of samples tested =1,828) seed done before the computation. If other low = 67 kg/hathreshers have more trash, the seed high = 2421 kg/ha should be cleanedbefore weighing. 1 = <537.8 kg/ha; 5.6% COMMENTS: yields increase with 2= <1008.6 kg/ha; 15.6% moisture and fertility. However, too high a 3 =<1479.4 kg/ha; 51.5% moisture can lead to killing of plants. Too 4 =<1950.2 kg/ha; 25.8% high fertility can lead to extra vegetative 5= >1950.1 kg/ha; 1.4% growth that may not lead to higher yields. avg. =1114.6 kg/ha, The optimum population depends on the std = 331.2 PLANTPHENOTYPE, Character No. 4 (BRANCHING STYLE, Character No. 1; NUMBER OFCAPSULES PER LEAF AXIL, Character No. 2; and MATURITY CLASS, CharacterNo. 3) and row width. (12) RESISTANCE TO S70 No data collected In a yearwhen there is a drought, this DROUGHT In general, pygmies rating can beused to differentiate the The relative amount of appear to exhibit moreeffects of the different lines. This is a resistance to drought droughtresistance than highly subjective rating requiring a rater normal lines,but S70 that is familiar with the performance of the specifically hasnot yet line under normal conditions. The rating is been rated andcompared based on how the drought changes the to other patentedvarieties. line from normal. Thus, a short line that Average of aminimum of does not change significantly in a drought three plots of asubjective may have a higher rating than a tall line rating based on thewhich is affected by the drought even following values: though thetaller line is taller in the drought 0 to 8 scale than the short line. 7= Little effect from drought 4 = Medium effect from drought 1 =Considerable effect from drought Intermediate values are used. Whenthere are limited ratings across varieties within one nursery inreplicated plots, varieties can be compared with the general terms: GoodAverage Poor Distribution within Sesaco based on stable lines in thecrossing program in 2000 (Total number of samples tested = 632) low = 0;high = 8 1 = <1.6; 0.8% 2 = <3.2; 28.0% 3 = <4.8; 36.1% 4 = <6.4; 34.5%5 = >6.3; 0.6% avg. = 4.1, std = 1.2 (13) LEAF LENGTH S70 = 14.3 cm for5^(th) Select one leaf per node to measure The length of the leaf nodepair; 15.6 cm for from the 5^(th), 10^(th), and 15^(th) node pairs fromblade from the base of 10^(th) node pair; and 13.6 cm the base of theplant. All the leaves for one the petiole to the apex for 15^(th) nodepair line should be collected at the same time. of the leaf from the5^(th), (Uvalde nursery, 2008) Some lines retain the cotyledons, and the10^(th), and 15^(th) node Value based on an the cotyledon node does notcount as a node pairs average of a minimum of pair. In some lines thelowest leaves three plants (unit of abscise leaving a scar on the stem.measure: cm) Abscised node pairs should be counted. In Distributionwithin Sesaco lines with alternate leaves, one node is for 5^(th) leafbased on stable counted for each pair of leaves. In some lines in thecrossing lines in parts of the plant there are three program in 2002(Total leaves per node which should be counted number of lines tested =as one node pair. 196 with 711 samples) The leaves continue growing inthe first low = 13.8 cm; high = 42.5 cm few days after they haveseparated from 1 = <19.5 cm; 34.7% the growing tip. The choosing ofleaves 2 = <25.3 cm; 48.0% should be done a minimum of 5 days after 3 =<31.0 cm; 14.3% the 15^(th) node has appeared. Timing is 4 = <36.8 cm;1.5% important, because the plants will begin to 5 = >36.7 cm; 1.5% shedtheir lower leaves towards the end of avg. = 21.5 cm, std = 4.4 theircycle. Distribution within Sesaco There are lines that have less than 15for 10^(th) leaf based on node pairs. In this case, the highest nodestable lines in the crossing should be taken and the node number programin 2002 (Total annotated to the measurements. number of lines tested =There can be as much as 6 mm 196 with 711 samples) difference between agreen leaf and a dry low = 9.3 cm; high = 32.9 cm leaf. The measurementscan be done on a 1 = <14.0 cm; 22.4% green or dry leaf as long as any 2= <18.7 cm; 41.8% comparison data with other lines is based 3 = <23.5cm; 20.9% on the same method. 4 = <28.2 cm; 10.2% Generally, the lowestleaves increase in 5 = >28.1 cm; 4.6% size until the 4^(th) to 6^(th)node and then they avg. = 17.9 cm, std = 4.8 decrease in size. Thisapplies to LEAF Distribution within Sesaco LENGTH (Character No. 13),LEAF for 15^(th) leaf based on BLADE WIDTH (Character No. 15), andstable lines in the crossing PETIOLE LENGTH (Character No. 16). Inprogram in 2002 (Total few cases, LEAF BLADE LENGTH number of linestested = Character No. 14) can increase up the 10^(th) 196 with 711samples) node, but will decrease by the 15^(th) node. low = 4.4 cm; high= 26.2 cm Generally, the width will decrease at a 1 = <8.8 cm; 5.1%greater rate than the length. 2 = <13.1 cm; 42.9% COMMENTS: the lengthis dependent 3 = <17.5 cm; 29.8% on the amount of moisture andfertility. 4 = <21.8 cm; 15.8% Higher moisture and fertility increasethe 5 = >21.7 cm; 6.6% length. Leaf size also appears to be avg. = 14.3cm, std = 4.2 affected by light intensity. In Korea, the Korean lineshave much larger leaves than in Oklahoma. In Korea, there is more cloudcover and a general haze than in Oklahoma. (14) LEAF BLADE S70 = 10.2 cmfor 5^(th) See LEAF LENGTH (Character No. 13) LENGTH node pair; 13.2 cmfor on how to collect leaves. In some leaves The length of the leaf10^(th) node pair; and 11.5 cm the blade on one side of the petiolestarts blade from the base of for 15^(th) node pair before the otherside. This measure should the leaf blade to the (Uvalde nursery, 2008)start from the lowest blade side. There are apex of the leaf from Valuebased on an the leaves that have enations where a blade the 5^(th),10^(th), and 15^(th) average of a minimum of starts and then stops. Theenations are not node pairs three plants (unit of considered part of theleaf blade because measure: cm) they are very irregular from plant toplant Distribution within Sesaco and within a plant. for 5^(th) leafbased on stable COMMENTS: see LEAF LENGTH lines in the crossing(Character No. 13) for effects of program in 2002 (Total environmentnumber of lines tested = 196 with 711 samples) low = 9.0 cm; high = 25.5cm 1 = <12.3 cm; 14.3% 2 = <15.6 cm; 60.2% 3 = <18.9 cm; 20.9% 4 = <22.2cm; 3.1% 5 = >22.1 cm; 1.5% avg. = 14.4 cm, std = 2.4 Distributionwithin Sesaco for 10^(th) leaf based on stable lines in the crossingprogram in 2002 (Total number of lines tested = 196 with 711 samples)low = 8.3 cm; high = 23.4 cm 1 = <11.3 cm; 18.9% 2 = <14.3 cm; 42.9% 3 =<17.4 cm; 25.0% 4 = <20.4 cm; 9.2% 5 = >20.3 cm; 4.1% avg. = 13.9 cm,std = 3.0 Distribution within Sesaco for 15^(th) leaf based on stablelines in the crossing program in 2002 (Total number of lines tested =196 with 711 samples) low = 4.2 cm; high = 20.7 cm 1 = <7.5 cm; 2.0% 2 =<10.8 cm; 36.7% 3 = <14.1 cm; 37.8% 4 = <17.4 cm; 16.3% 5 = >17.3 cm;7.1% avg. = 12.0 cm, std = 3.0 (15) LEAF BLADE S70 = 6.0 cm for 5^(th)node See LEAF LENGTH (Character No. 13) WIDTH pair; 3.3 cm for 10^(th)node on how to collect leaves. There are many The width of the leafpair; and 2.2 cm for 15^(th) leaves that are not symmetrical with blademeasured across node pair in 2008 lobbing on one side and not the other.The the leaf blade at the (Uvalde nursery, 2008) width should still bemeasured across the widest point at the 5^(th), Value based on an thewidest point on a line perpendicular to the 10^(th), and 15^(th) nodeaverage of a minimum of main vein of the leaf. pairs three plants (unitof On some lines the width exceeds the measure: cm) length, particularlyon lobed leaves. Distribution within Sesaco COMMENTS: see LEAF LENGTHfor 5^(th) leaf based on stable (Character No. 13) for effects of linesin the crossing environment program in 2002 (Total The widest leaves arelobed. Normally, number of lines tested = the leaves have turned fromlobed to 196 with 711 samples) lanceolate by the 10^(th) leaf with thelow = 3.4 cm; high = 31.0 cm exception of the tropical lines. 1 = <8.9cm; 53.1% 2 = <14.4 cm; 33.7% 3 = <20.0 cm; 9.7% 4 = <25.5 cm; 2.6% 5= >25.4 cm; 1.0% avg. = 9.6 cm, std = 4.3 Distribution within Sesaco for10^(th) leaf based on stable lines in the crossing program in 2002(Total number of lines tested = 196 with 711 samples) low = 1.3 cm; high= 17.6 cm 1 = <4.6 cm; 69.4% 2 = <7.8 cm; 25.0% 3 = <11.1 cm; 4.6% 4 =<14.3 cm; 0% 5 = >14.2 cm; 1.0% avg. = 4.3 cm, std = 2.2 Distributionwithin Sesaco for 15^(th) leaf based on stable lines in the crossingprogram in 2002 (Total number of lines tested = 196 with 711 samples)low = 0.7 cm; high = 6.0 cm 1 = <1.8 cm; 29.1% 2 = <2.8 cm; 48.0% 3 =<3.9 cm; 15.3% 4 = <4.9 cm; 4.6% 5 = >4.8 cm; 3.1% avg. = 2.3 cm, std =0.9 (16) PETIOLE LENGTH S70 = 4.1 cm for 5^(th) node See LEAF LENGTH(Character No. 13) The length of the pair; 3.3 cm for 10^(th) node onhow to collect leaves. In some leaves, petiole from the base of pair;and 2.2 cm for 15^(th) the blade on one side of the petiole starts thepetiole to the start node pair before the other side. This measureshould of the leaf blade at the (Uvalde nursery, 2008) end where theearliest blade starts. There 5^(th), 10^(th), and 15^(th) node Valuebased on an the are leaves that have enations where a pairs. average ofa minimum of blade starts and then stops. The enations three plants(unit of are not considered part of the leaf blade measure: cm) becausethey are very irregular from plant Distribution within Sesaco to plantand within a plant and should be for 5^(th) leaf based on stablemeasured as part of the petiole. lines in the crossing COMMENTS: seeLEAF LENGTH program in 2002 (Total (Character No. 13) for effects ofnumber of lines tested = environment 196 with 711 samples) low = 3.0 cm;high = 17.0 cm 1 = <5.8 cm; 35.2% 2 = <8.6 cm; 39.8% 3 = <11.4 cm; 19.4%4 = <14.2 cm; 4.1% 5 = >14.1 cm; 1.5% avg. = 7.0 cm, std = 2.5Distribution within Sesaco for 10^(th) leaf based on stable lines in thecrossing program in 2002 (Total number of lines tested = 196 with 711samples) low = 1.0 cm; high = 14.2 cm 1 = <3.6 cm; 53.6% 2 = <6.3 cm;31.6% 3 = <8.9 cm; 11.7% 4 = <11.6 cm; 2.0% 5 = >11.5 cm; 1.0% avg. =4.0 cm, std = 2.1 Distribution within Sesaco for 15^(th) leaf based onstable lines in the crossing program in 2002 (Total number of linestested = 196 with 711 samples) low = 0.2 cm; high = 7.4 cm 1 = <1.6 cm;38.8% 2 = <3.1 cm; 41.8% 3 = <4.5 cm; 13.3% 4 = <6.0 cm; 3.1% 5 = >5.9cm; 3.1% avg. = 2.3 cm, std = 1.3 (17) NUMBER OF S70 = 2 The rating canbe taken from about 60 CARPELS PER (All crops, all nurseries) days afterplanting to all the way to the end CAPSULE Subjective rating based on ofthe crop. The predominant the following values: There are many plantswith mixed number of carpels per 2 = bicarpellate number of carpels asfollows: capsule in the middle 3 = tricarpellate 1. Some bicarpellateplants will have half of the capsule zone 4 = quadricarpellate one ormore nodes near the center of the (unit of measure: actual capsule zonethat have tri- and/or number quadricarpellate capsules and vice versa.Distribution within Sesaco 2. Most tri- and quadri-carpellate plantsbased on the introductions will begin and end with bicarpellate nodes.received in 1982-2001 3. Some plants have only one carpel (Total numberof samples that develops. These capsules are tested = 2702) generallybent, but on examination the 2^(nd) 2 = 97.6% carpel can be seen. 3 =0.0004% 4. On all types, flowers may coalesce 4 = 2.3% and double ortriple the number of Sesaco has not developed carpels. lines with morethan 2 5. On the seamless gene plants (gs/gs) carpels. the falsemembranes do not form locules. These are still considered bicarpellate.(18) CAPSULE S70 = 2.11 cm After the plants are physiologically LENGTHFROM 10cap (All experimental mature, take 2 capsules from five plantsTEST nurseries, 1997-2008) from the middle of the capsule zone. On Thelength of the Value based on the three capsule per leaf axil lines, onecapsule from the average of a minimum of central capsule and oneaxillary capsule bottom of the seed three samples of the should be takenfrom the same leaf axil. chamber to the top of length taken on the Themeasurement is taken on the median the seed chamber from median capsulein a 10 capsule of single capsule lines and on the the outside of thecapsule sample (unit of median central capsule on three capsule capsule.The tip of the measure: cm) lines. The measurement is taken on drycapsule is not included Distribution within Sesaco capsules because thelength can shorten in the measurement. based on 10cap test in all asmuch as one mm on drydown. nurseries in 1997-2002 The 10 capsules can besampled from (Total number of lines physiological maturity throughcomplete tested = 1,613 with 8,285 drydown without an effect on thissamples) character. low = 1.3 cm; high = 4.5 cm Generally, the capsulesin the middle of 1 = <1.94 cm; 2.7% the capsule zone are the longest onthe 2 = <2.58 cm; 67.9% plant. 3 = <3.22 cm; 27.2% COMMENTS: the lengthof the capsule 4 = <3.86 cm; 1.9% is dependent on the amount ofmoisture, 5 = >3.85 cm; 0.3% fertility, and population. Higher moistureavg. = 2.44 cm, std = 0.33 and fertility increase the length. Higherpopulation decreases the length even with adequate moisture/fertility.(19) SEED WEIGHT S70 = 0.221 g See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10CAP PER CAPSULEFROM (All experimental TEST (Character No. 18) for collection of 10capTEST nurseries, 1997-2008) capsules. The capsules should be dried, Theweight of the seed Value based on the the seed threshed out, and theseed in a capsule from the average of a minimum of weighed. center ofthe capsule three samples of the The 10 capsules can be sampled fromzone weight of 10 capsules (unit physiological maturity through completeof weight: grams) drydown without an effect on this Distribution withinSesaco character. After drydown, only capsules based on 10cap test inall with all their seed are taken. Thus, this test nurseries in1997-2002 cannot be done on shattering lines after (Total number oflines drydown. tested = 1,613 with 8,285 Generally, the capsules in themiddle of samples) the capsule zone have the highest seed low = 0.053 g;high = weight per capsule on the plant. 0.476 g COMMENTS: see CAPSULELENGTH 1 = <0.138 g; 1.3% FROM 10CAP TEST (Character No. 18) 2 = <0.222g; 47.6% for the effects of environmental factors. 3 = <0.307 g; 50.6% 4= <0.391 g; 1.1% 5 = >0.390 g; 0.1% avg. = 0.221 g, std = 0.039 (20)CAPSULE S70 = 0.133 g See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10CAP WEIGHT PER (Allexperimental TEST (Character No. 18) for collection of CAPSULE FROMnurseries, 1997-2008) capsules. The capsules should be dried, 10cap TESTValue based on the the seed threshed out, and the capsules The weight ofthe average of a minimum of weighed. At times the peduncle can stillcapsule from the center three samples of the be attached to thecapsules. The of the capsule zone weight of 10 capsules (unit pedunclesshould be removed and not after the seed has been of measure: grams)weighed. removed Distribution within Sesaco The 10 capsules can besampled from based on 10cap test in all physiological maturity throughcomplete nurseries in 1997-2002 drydown without an effect on this (Totalnumber of lines character. tested = 1,613 with 8,285 Generally, thecapsules in the middle of samples) the capsule zone have the highestcapsule low = 0.059 g; high = weight per capsule on the plant. 0.395 gCOMMENTS: see CAPSULE LENGTH 1 = <0.126 g; 22.6% FROM 10CAP TEST(Character No. 18) 2 = <0.193 g; 69.1% for the effects of environmentalfactors. 3 = <0.261 g; 8.2% 4 = <0.328 g; 0.9% 5 = >0.327 g; 0.6% avg. =0.152 g, std = 0.036 (21) CAPSULE S70 = 0.063 g The weight is derived bydividing the WEIGHT PER CM OF (All experimental CAPSULE WEIGHT PERCAPSULE CAPSULE nurseries, 1997-2008) FROM 10CAP TEST (Character No. 20)The weight of a capsule Value based on the by the CAPSULE LENGTH FROM10CAP per cm of capsule from average of a minimum of TEST (Character No.18). the center of the three samples of the The 10 capsules can besampled from capsule zone weight per cm of 10 physiological maturitythrough complete capsules (unit of measure: drydown without an effect onthis grams) character. Distribution within Sesaco COMMENTS: thischaracter is used based on 10cap test in all instead of capsule width.Capsule width is nurseries in 1997-2002 difficult to measure becausethere are so (Total number of lines many variables in a capsule. In atested = 1,613 with 8,285 bicarpellate capsule, the width differs whensamples) measuring across one carpel or both low = 0.027 g; high =carpels. Capsules can also vary through 0.123 g the length of thecapsule by being 1 = <0.046 g; 8.2% substantially narrower at thebottom, 2 = <0.065 g; 55.5% middle or top of the capsule. In 1997, four3 = <0.085 g; 36.5% widths were measured on each capsule 4 = <0.104 g;4.4% and then averaged. This average had a 5 = >0.103 g; 0.5% very highcorrelation to the capsule weight avg. = 0.063 g, std = 0.012 per cm ofcapsule. See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10CAP TEST (Character No. 18) foreffects of environmental factors (22) VISUAL SEED S70 = I This rating isused for plants that are RETENTION (All crops, all nurseries) beingselected for advanced testing Amount of seed in most Subjective ratingbased on whether individually or in a bulk with all the of the capsulesin the the following values: plants having the same level of seed middlehalf of the X = <50% seed retention retention. capsule zone when the(unsuitable for direct Most “X” plants can be identified from plant(s)are dry enough harvest) the first capsule that dries since the seed fordirect harvest with a C = 50-74% seed will begin falling outimmediately. combine retention (unsuitable for A “C” (close to V) plantwill have some direct harvest, but may capsules with seed and somewithout. segregate V or above in A “V” (visual shatter resistance) plantfuture generations) can be identified when the first 50% of the V = >74%seed retention capsules have dried, but a “V+” rating (sufficient seedretention should not be used until the complete plant for 10cap testing)is dry and most of the capsules are W = >74% seed retention showing seedretention. on weathering in field after Some “V” plants can be upgradedto rains and/or winds “W” after the dry capsules have been I = in usingthe “drum subjected to weather (rain and/or wind). test” the seed in the“V” and “W” become non-dehiscent only capsules do not rattle and after10cap testing with about an 80% >85% of the capsules on passing rate.10cap testing is done on “I” the plant(s) harvested selections have hadabout a 90% passing have visible seed in the rate. tips of the capsulesfour or The “drum test” consists of placing the more weeks after theideal fingers from one hand about ½ inch from harvest time. The “I” thecenter of the main stem and then rating is used for all of the strikingthe stem alternately with one finger capsules on the plant. and then theother finger in rapid ‘+’ and ‘−’ modifiers can succession. The humanear can perceive be used for the X, C, V, W, degree of rattling over arange. IND is and I. defined as having no rattle. Degree of rattle inthis test correlates with loss of increasing amounts of seed as capsulesare exposed to weather conditions. COMMENTS: the ratings above should bemade under normal conditions (600 mm of annual rainfall and 30 kg/ha ofnitrogen) through high moisture/fertility conditions. In drought or verylow fertility conditions, it has been observed that there is less seedretention. In addition, high populations may lead to low moisture orfertility causing less seed retention. If unusual environmentalconditions are present, the effects should be taken into considerationprior to rating. (23) SHAKER S70 = 77.4% See CAPSULE LENGTH FROM 10CAPSHATTER (All experimental TEST (Character No. 18) for collection ofRESISTANCE FROM nurseries, 1997-2008) capsules. The capsules should bedried. 10cap TEST Value based on the The capsules and any seed that hasfallen The amount of seed average of a minimum of out should then beplaced in flasks on a retention after the three samples of thereciprocal shaker with a 3.8 cm stroke with capsules are dry andpercentage of seed 250 strokes/min for 10 minutes (see U.S. put througha shaker retained in 10 capsules Pat. No. 6,100,452). The seed that (10capsule sample) (unit of measure: Actual comes out of the capsulesshould be Number expressed as weighed as ‘out seed.’ The retained seedpercentage) should be threshed out of the capsules Distribution withinSesaco and weighed to compute the ‘total seed’. based on 10cap test inall The shaker shatter resistance is computed nurseries in 1997-2002 asa percentage as follows: (total seed − (Total number of lines outseed)/total seed. tested = 1,613 with 8,285 The 10 capsules can besampled from samples) physiological maturity through complete low = 0;high = 100 drydown without an effect on this character 1 = <20; 12.9%for shatter resistant types. When taking 2 = <40; 6.9% capsules afterdrydown, only capsules with 3 = <60; 23.4% all their seed are taken.Thus, this test 4 = <80; 47.7% cannot be done on shattering lines after5 = >79.9; 9.2% drydown. avg. = 55.9%, std = 23.9 COMMENTS: The ratingsabove should be made under normal conditions through highmoisture/fertility conditions. In drought or very low fertilityconditions, it has been observed that there is less seed retention. Inadditions, high populations may lead to low moisture or fertilitycausing there is less seed retention. If unusual environmentalconditions are present, the effects should be taken into considerationprior to rating. Lines with shaker shatter resistance >64.9% are knownas non-dehiscent lines (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452). (24) CAPSULE S70 =SR The rating is based on visual SHATTERING TYPE (All crops, allnurseries) observations as to seed retention as the Amount of seedSubjective rating based on plants remain standing in the field withoutretention in a line or the following values: shocking. plant SUS =Super-shattering SUS, SHA, SSH, SR, ID, and GS are (<25%) terms used byinternational sesame SHA = Shattering (<50%) breeders and can becorrelated to the SSH = Semi-shattering (50 Sesaco definitions used bySesaco by to 75%; a rating of C) VISUAL SEED RETENTION (Character SR =Shatter resistant No. 22). (>75%; a rating of V, W, or GS plants can beidentified while the I) plant is putting on capsules or at drydown ID =Indehiscent because the carpels in the capsules do not (presence ofid/id with form false membranes. There are plants capsule closed) thatwill have capsules with false IDO = Indehiscent membranes on the lowerand upper nodes (presence of id/id with but most of the capsules show nofalse capsule open at tip) membranes. GS = Seamless ID plants can beidentified during the (presence of gs/gs with growing season in thatthey have enations capsule closed) on the bottoms of the leaves. At drydown GSO = Seamless they are more difficult to distinguish from(presence of gs/gs with other lines that have closed capsules capsuleopen at tip) (other than GS). There is less of a suture than othercapsule types. COMMENTS: Most environmental factors do not have much ofan effect on capsule shattering type other than to make it moredifficult to distinguish in the overlap zone. Generally, highermoisture, higher fertility, and lower populations will decrease theshattering a small amount - less than 10%. The wind can have a largeeffect in decreasing the amount of seed retention. Rain, dew and fog canalso reduce seed retention. (25) NON-DEHISCENT S70 = ND Lines aredesignated as ND only after they TEST (All crops, all nurseries) haveundergone a minimum of 3 shaker A line that has passed Subjective ratingbased on shatter resistance tests. In order to be the non-dehiscent testthe following values: considered an ND variety, the line must of havingshaker shatter ND = Non-dehiscent line pass the ND threshold in multiplenurseries resistance >64.9% is XX = Line that does not for multipleyears. considered an ND line pass the non-dehiscent in accordance withU.S. test Pat. No. 6,100,452. ND distribution within Sesaco based on10cap test in all nurseries in 1997-2007 (Total number of samples tested= 10,905) ND = 53.6% XX = 46.4% (26) IMPROVED NON- S70 = 7.5 This ratingis used for a plot or field that DEHISCENT VISUAL (Uvalde nursery, 2008)is being evaluated. RATING (IND) S70 = 7.4 The data is taken four ormore weeks Amount of seed in most (Lorenzo nursery, 2008) after theideal harvest time. See DAYS of the capsules in the Value based on theTO DIRECT HARVEST (Character No. plants in a plot four or average on aminimum of 31). Estimate the percentage of capsules more weeks after thethree plots of a subjective that have visible seed at the top. In theideal harvest time. rating based on the beginning in order to develop aneye for percentage of capsules the rating, the evaluator should observeall with visible seed retention of the capsules and rate each of them;get 8 <100% a counts of those with no visible seeds and 7 <85% a countof total capsules; and compute a 6 <70% percentage. Once the evaluatoris skilled, 5 <55% there is no need to count the capsules. Z <55% Thereis a very high correlation between ‘*’, ‘+’ and ‘−’ modifiers thisrating upon visual evaluation and the can be used. For amount ofrattling generated by the “drum averages, 0.5 is added for test” definedabove in VISUAL SHATTER ‘*’, 0.33 is added for a ‘+’ RESISTANCE(Character No. 22). and 0.33 is subtracted for Although retention canvary from plant a ‘−’, e.g., “7+” = 7.33. to plant and even within aplant, the overall IND distribution as an rating is correlatable withIND. average of nurseries in In crossing between lines, in early Uvaldeand Lorenzo from generations there is a segregation of IND 2006-2008.plants and non-IND plants. In this case (Total number of lines the plotis given a rating of the majority of tested = 288 with 801 plants whilethe plants selected can have a samples in 2006) higher rating which isreflected in VISUAL low = 2.97; high = 7.33 SEED RETENTION. The ratingsthat are 1 = <6.0; 2.1% cited in this character are for plots, but a 2 =<6.5; 20.8% ratings of 7 or 8 are only given if over 90% 3 = <7.0; 13.2%of the plants have the higher rating. 4 = <7.5; 63.9% 5 = >7.5; 0% avg.= 6.77, std = 0.54 Note: The percentage of lines between 7.0 and 7.6 isvery high because Sesaco only uses these ratings to evaluate lines thatare released varieties, IND lines, or lines segregating IND. (27)IMPROVED NON- S70 = IND Varieties were designated as IND afterDEHISCENCE TEST (All crops, all nurseries they demonstrated the definedAn ND line that passes Subjective rating based on characteristics withstatistically significant the drum test and has a the following values:data. visual IND rating >6.99 IND = Improved Non- is considered IND. Adehiscent line method for traditional ZZ = Line that does not breedingof an IND line pass the impoved non- is described in dehiscent testconcurrently filed U.S. Distribution within Sesaco Patent Applicationbased on visual IND (Total Serial No. 12041257. number of lines tested =ND and IND lines 1,934 in all nurseries from should not have id or gs2005 to 2007) alleles. IND = 9.5% ZZ = 90.5% (28) DAYS TO S70 = 38 daysThe vegetative phase in sesame is from FLOWERING (Uvalde nursery, 2008)the time of planting to the start of Number of days from Value based onthe flowering. planting until 50% of the average of a minimum of Thisdata is taken as a date and later plants are flowering three plots ofthe number converted to number of days. Flowering is of days (unit ofmeasure: defined as flowers that are open - not days) buds. Distributionwithin Sesaco COMMENTS: flowering can be based on lines in Uvaldeaccelerated by drought and it can be nursery in 2000-2001 delayed byhigher moisture and/or fertility. (Total number of samples Higher heatunits will decrease the days to tested = 1,831) flowering. low = 33days; high = 89 Some lines are photosensitive and will days only beginflowering at a certain number of 1 = <44.2 days; 87.9% hours ofdaylight. 2 = <55.4 days; 7.8% Start of flowering does not always 3 =<66.6 days; 2.4% equate to start of capsule formation. Many 4 = <77.8days; 1.7% lines will flower and not set capsules from 5 = >77.7 days;0.2% the first flowers. avg. = 40.9 days, std = 6.3 (29) DAYS TO S70 =74 days The reproductive phase of sesame is FLOWER (Uvalde nursery,2008) from the start to the end of flowering. TERMINATION Value based onthe This data is taken as a date and later Number of days from averageof a minimum of converted to number of days. Flowering is planting until90% of the three plots of the number defined as flowers that are open -not plants have stopped of days (unit of measure: buds. At the end ofthe flowering period, flowering days) the rate that a plant puts on openflowers Distribution within Sesaco is reduced. Thus, there can be morethan based on lines in Uvalde 10% of plants with buds and still havenursery in 2000-2001 reached this measure since there will not (Totalnumber of samples be more than 10% with open flowers on tested = 2,668)any one day. low = 61 days; high = 114 The measure is based on thenumber of days plants and not the number of flowering 1 = <71.6 days;21.1% heads. The branches will stop flowering 2 = <82.2 days; 61.5%before the main stem, and thus the plot will 3 = <92.8 days; 15.9%appear like there are more plants not 4 = <103.4 days; 0.8% flowering. 5= >103.3 days; 0.8% COMMENTS: flower termination can avg. = 77.1 days,std = 6.9 be accelerated by lower moisture and/or fertility, and it canbe delayed by higher moisture and/or fertility. Higher heat units willdecrease the DAYS TO FLOWER TERMINATION. It is known that there arelines that stop flowering sooner than expected in northern latitudes,but it is not known if this is due to shorter photoperiod or cooltemperatures. (30) DAYS TO S70 = 98 days The ripening phase of sesame isfrom PHYSIOLOGICAL (Uvalde nursery, 2008) the end of flowering untilphysiological MATURITY Value based on the maturity. Number of days fromaverage of a minimum of This data is taken as a date and later plantinguntil 50% of the three plots of the number converted to number of days.Physiological plants reach of days (unit of measure: maturity (PM) isdefined as the point at physiological maturity days) which ¾ of thecapsules have seed with Distribution within Sesaco final color. In mostlines, the seed will also based on lines in Uvalde have a seed line andtip that is dark. nursery in 2000-2001 COMMENTS: The concept of (Totalnumber of samples physiological maturity in sesame was tested = 2,374)developed by M. L. Kinman (personal low = 77 days; high = 140communication) based on the concept of days determining the optimum timeto cut a 1 = <89.6 days; 16.8% plant and still harvest 95-99% of the 2 =102.2 days; 58.0% potential yield. The Kinman ratings were 3 = <114.8days; 23.6% used for sesame in the 1950-60s when the 4 = <127.4 days;1.4% plants were cut while still green and 5 = >127.3 days; 0.2%manually shocked to dry. When the seed avg. = 97.1 days, std = 7.1 hasfinal color, the seed can germinate under the proper conditions. If theplant is cut at physiological maturity, most of the seed above the ¾mark will go to final color and are mature enough to germinate, but willnot have as much seed weight. Since in even a fully mature plant, thereis less seed weight made at the top of the plant, this loss of seedweight does not seriously affect the potential seed weight of the plant.Although present harvest methods let the plants mature and go tocomplete drydown, PM is important because after that point, the crop isless susceptible to yield loss due to frost or disease. The PM is alsoimportant if the crop is to be swathed or harvest aids are to beapplied. Physiological maturity can be accelerated by lower moistureand/or fertility, and it can be delayed by higher moisture and/orfertility. Higher heat units will decrease the days to physiologicalmaturity. Cool weather can delay physiological maturity. (31) DAYS TODIRECT S70 = 141 days The drying phase of sesame is from HARVEST (Uvaldenursery, 2008) physiological maturity until direct harvest. Number ofdays from Value based on the This data is taken as a date and laterplanting until there is average of a minimum of converted to number ofdays. Direct enough drydown for three plots of the number harvest isdefined as the date at which the direct harvest of days (unit ofmeasure: plants are dry enough for combining seed days) at 6% or lessmoisture. Over 99% of the Distribution within Sesaco sesame in the worldis cut by hand before based on lines in all the plant completely driesdown, and the nurseries from 2004 plants are manually shocked to drydown. tthrough 2006 The plants should be dry below where (Total numberof samples the cutter bar of the combine will hit the tested = 1,998)plants. In many lines, 15-20 cm from the low = 103 days; high = 161ground can be green without an effect on days the moisture of the seed.In taking the 1 = <114.6 days; 3.3% data on a plot, the plants at theaisle have 2 = <126.2 days; 13.3% more moisture and fertility availableand 3 = <137.8 days; 32.1% will dry down later. The same is true for 4 =<149.4 days; 44.2% plants within the plot that have a gap of 5 = >149.3days; 7.2% half a meter between plants. These plants avg. = 136.7 days,std = should be disregarded in taking the data. 10.3 In addition, thereare few farmer fields that dry down uniformly because of varying soilsand moisture. There is a certain amount of green that can be combinedand still attain the proper moisture. The amount of green allowable isalso dependent on the humidity at the day of combining- the lower thehumidity the higher the amount of allowable green. COMMENTS: This dateis the most variable number of days that define the phenology of sesamebecause weather is so important. In dry years with little rainfall, theplants will run out of moisture sooner and will dry down faster than inyears with more rainfall. Fields that are irrigated by pivots willgenerally dry down faster than fields with flood or furrow irrigationbecause pivots do not provide deep moisture. Fields with less fertilitywill drydown faster than fields with high fertility. Fields with highpopulations will dry down faster than fields with low populations. Inlow moisture situations lines with a strong taproot will dry down laterthan lines with mostly shallow fibrous roots. (32) LODGING S70 = 7.3 Thedata is taken after physiological RESISTANCE (Uvalde nursery 2007);maturity (see DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL The amount of lodging S70 = 8.0MATURITY - Character No. 30) and (Lorenzo nursery 2007) before directharvest (see DAYS TO Average of a minimum of DIRECT HARVEST - CharacterNo. 31). three plots of a subjective Lodging that occurs after directharvest in rating based on the nurseries would not be a factor infollowing values: commercial sesame. 0 to 8 rating There are three typesof lodging: where 8 = no lodging the plants break at the stem, where the7 = Less than 5% of plants plants bend over but do not break, and lodgedwhere the plants uproot and bend over. 4 = 50% of plants lodged When aplant breaks over, it will rarely 1 = All plants lodged produce any newseed, and the existing Intermediate values are seed may or may notmature. If there is a used. total break, there is no hope, but if thereis Distribution within Sesaco still some active stem translocation basedon lines in Uvalde through the break, there can be some yield andLorenzo nurseries in recovery. The main causes for uprooting 2007 ofplants are shallow root systems and (Total number of samples fields thathave just been irrigated, creating tested = 1061) a soft layer of soil.When a plant bends low = 1.0; high = 8.0 over early in development, somelines 1 = <2.4; 3.1% adapt better than others in terms of having 2 =<3.8; 6.9% the main stems turn up and continue 3 = <5.2; 22.6%flowering. The tips of the branches are 4 = <6.6; 18.9% usually mattedunder the canopy and will 5 = >8.0; 48.4% rarely turn up, but newbranches can avg. = 6.1, std = 1.7 develop. As the plants go to drydownand the weight of the moisture is lost, many of the bent plants willstraighten up making the crop easier to combine. COMMENTS: The majorcause of lodging is the wind. In areas where there are constant windssuch as in Oklahoma and northern Texas, the plants adjust by adding morelignins to the stems, and it takes a stronger wind to cause lodging thanin areas such as Uvalde where there normally only breezes unless thereis a strong front or thunderstorm that passes through. In areas withmore root rots, the stems are weak and it takes little wind to lodge theplants. (33) SEED COLOR S70 = BF This data is taken in the laboratorywith The color of the seed (All crops, all nurseries) the same lightingfor all samples. The seed coat Subjective rating based on from the wholeplant is used. the following values: Seed coat color is taken on matureWH = White seeds. If there is any abnormal BF = Buff termination, thecolors are not quite as TN = Tan even. The color of immature seedvaries. LBR = Light brown Usually light seeded lines have tan to lightGO = Gold brown immature seed; tan, light brown, LGR = Light gray gold,brown light gray, and gray lines have GR = Gray lighter immature seed;black lines can BR = Brown have tan, brown, or gray immature seed. RBR =Reddish brown Usually, moisture, fertility, population BLK = Black andlight intensity do not have an effect on Distribution within Sesaco seedcoat color. Light colored seeds in a based on seed harvested drought mayhave a yellowish tinge. Seeds in all nurseries in 1982-2001 in somelines in the tan, light brown and (Total number of gold range can changefrom year to year samples tested = 161,809) among themselves. WH = 0.8%BF = 74.8% TN = 9.0% LBR = 1.4% GO = 1.5% LGR = 0.6% GR = 1.4% BR = 6.5%RBR = 0.6% BLK = 3.5% (34) SEED WEIGHT - S70 = 0.326 g See CAPSULELENGTH FROM 10CAP 100 SEEDS FROM (All experimental TEST (Character No.18) for collection of 10cap TEST nurseries, 1997-2008) capsules. Weightof 100 seeds Value based on the Count out 100 seeds and weigh. The takenfrom the 10cap average of a minimum of seed must be dry. tests which aretaken three samples of the COMMENTS: the weight increases from themiddle of the weight of 100 seeds from with higher moisture/fertility.Generally, plant. the 10 capsules (unit of the weight of the seed fromthe whole plant weight: grams) is lighter than the seed weight takenfrom Distribution within Sesaco the 10cap test. based on stable lines inall nurseries in 1997-2002 (Total number of lines tested = 820 with2,899 samples) low = 0.200 g; high = 0.455 g 1 = <0..251 g; 10.1% 2 =<0.302 g; 48.4% 3 = <0.353 g; 34.0% 4 = <0.404 g; 7.2% 5 = >0.403 g;0.2% avg. = 0.298 g, std = 0.04 (35) COMPOSITE KILL S70 = 7.2 On theweek a plot reaches PM, a RESISTANCE (Uvalde nursery, 2007); rating isassigned. The ratings are then The amount of plants Average of a minimumof taken for 2 additional weeks. The three killed by root rots in thethree plots of a subjective ratings are averaged for a final killrating. Sesaco nurseries rating based on the For example, if a plot hasa final kill of 766, following values: Ratings the average for the plotwill be 6.33. When are based on the number a value of 1 or 2 isassigned, there are no of plants killed in a plot. additional ratings,and there is no Before physiological averaging. maturity (PM), the Thereare three root diseases that affect following ratings are used: sesamein Texas: Fusarium oxysporum, 1 = >90% kill before DAYS Macrophominaphaseoli, and Phytophtora TO FLOWERING parasitica. Between 1988 and thepresent, TERMINATION (Character spores of these three have been No. 29)accumulated in one small area (1 square 2 = >90% kill between km) northof Uvalde, and thus it is an DAYS TO FLOWERING excellent screening areafor the diseases. TERMINATION (Character Although each root rot attackssesame in a No. 29) and DAYS TO different way with different symptoms,no PHYSIOLOGICAL effort is made to differentiate which MATURITY(Character No. disease is the culprit in each plot. 30) Pathologicalscreenings in the past have After PM, the following found all 3pathogens present in dead ratings are used: plants. 3 = >90% killCOMMENTS: normally if decreasing, 4 = 50 to 89% kill the ratings willdecrease a maximum of 5 = 25 to 49% kill one value per week. There is anoverlap 6 = 10 to 24% kill between any two ratings, but this is 7 = lessthan 10% kill overcome to a certain extent by using 8 = no kill threeratings over 2 weeks. Distribution within Sesaco The amount of kill isusually increased based on lines in Uvalde with any type of stress tothe plants. nursery in 2000-2001 Drought can increase the amount of(Total number of samples Macrophomina; too much water can tested = 3045)increase the amount of Phytophtora; high low = 1.00; high = 8.00temperatures and humidity can increase 1 = <1.6; 1.7% the amount ofFusarium and Phytophtora. 2 = <3.2; 16.7% High population can increaseall three 3 = <4.8; 38.7% diseases. 4 = <6.4; 31.2% The ratings for anyone year can be 5 = >6.3; 11.6% used to compare lines grown in thatyear, avg. = 4.52, std = 1.49 but should not be used to compare linesgrown in different years. The amount of disease in any one year ishighly dependent on moisture, humidity, and temperatures. (36)RESISTANCE TO S70 = NT Ratings can be done in several ways: FUSARIUMWILT (F. oxysporum) Average of a minimum of 1. Take ratings after thedisease is no Amount of resistance to three plots of a subjective longerincreasing Fusarium wilt rating based on the 2. Take ratings onconsecutive weeks following values: until disease is no longerincreasing and 0 to 8 scale of the average ratings. % of infected plants3. Take periodic ratings and average 8 = Zero disease ratings. 7 = <10%infected COMMENTS: Fusarium has been a 4 = 50% infected problem in SouthTexas, particularly on 1 = >90% infected fields that have been plantedwith sesame 0 = all infected before. Normally, only the COMPOSITEIntermediate values are KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 35) used. ratingis taken. NT = not tested NEC = no economic damage - not enough diseaseto do ratings (37) RESISTANCE TO S70 = NT See Methodology for RESISTANCETO PHYTOPHTORA STEM Subjective rating FUSARIUM WILT (Character No. 36)ROT (P. parasitica) See Values for Fusarium COMMENTS: Phytophtora hasbeen a Amount of resistance to problem in Arizona and Texas,particularly Phytophtora stem rot on fields that have beenover-irrigated. Normally, only the COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (CharacterNo. 35) rating is taken. (38) RESISTANCE TO S70 = NT See Methodology forRESISTANCE TO CHARCOAL ROT Subjective rating FUSARIUM WILT (CharacterNo. 36) (Macrophomina See Values for Fusarium COMMENTS: Macrophomina hasbeen phaseoli) a problem in Arizona and Texas, Amount of resistance toparticularly on fields that go into a drought. Charcoal rot Normally,only the COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 35) rating is taken.(39) RESISTANCE TO S70 = NT See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO BACTERIALBLACK Average of a minimum of FUSARIUM WILT (Character No. 36) ROT(Pseudomonas three plots of a subjective COMMENTS: this disease occurssesami) rating based on the occasionally when there is continual rainyAmount of resistance to following values: weather with few clouds. Inmost years, bacterial black rot 0 to 8 scale of the the disease abatesonce the weather % of infected plants changes. No economic damage hasbeen 8 = Zero disease noticed. 7 = <10% infected 4 = 50% infected 1= >90% infected 0 = all infected Intermediate values are used. NT = nottested NEC = no economic damage - not enough disease to do ratingsDistribution within Sesaco based on lines in Uvalde nursery in 2004(Total number of samples tested = 593) low = 4.00; high = 8.00 1 = <2.4;0.0% 2 = <3.8; 0.0% 3 = <5.2; 8.6% 4 = <6.6; 16.0% 5 = >6.5; 75.4% avg.= 7.13, std = 1.00 (40) RESISTANCE TO S70 = NEC Ratings can be done inseveral ways: SILVERLEAF (Uvalde nursery, 2007) 1. Take ratings afterthe insects are no WHITEFLY (Bemisia There were a few insects longerincreasing. argentifolii) on S70, but not enough to 2. Take ratings onconsecutive weeks Amount of resistance to rate S70 or the other lines.until insects are no longer increasing and the silverleaf whiteflyAverage of a minimum of average ratings. three plots of a subjective 3.Take periodic ratings and average rating based on the ratings. followingvalues: COMMENTS: there have been very 0 to 8 scale of the few years(1991-1995) where the % of infected plants incidence of silverleafwhitefly has affected 0 to 8 scale nurseries or commercial crops. Inmost 8 = Zero insects years, a few whiteflies can be seen in the 7 = Fewinsects sesame with no economic damage. 4 = Many insects In the middle1990s, the USDA began 1 = Insects killing the introducing naturalpredators of the plants silverleaf whitefly in the Uvalde area. It isIntermediate values are not known if the predators reduced the used.effects of the whitefly or there is a natural NT = not tested toleranceto whitefly in the current NEC = no economic varieties. damage - notenough Higher temperatures decrease the insects to do ratings number ofdays between generations. There are indications that higher moisture andfertility increase the incidence of white flies, but there is nodefinitive data. The sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) has beenobserved in nurseries since 1978 without any economic damage. (41)RESISTANCE TO S70 = NT See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO GREEN PEACH(Uvalde nursery, 2004) SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (Character No. APHIDS (MyzusSubjective rating; see 40) persicae) Values for Whitefly COMMENTS: therehave been very Amount of resistance to Distribution within Sesaco fewyears (1990-1995) where the the green peach aphid based on lines inUvalde incidence of green peach aphid has nursery in 2004 affectednurseries or commercial crops. In (Total number of samples most years, afew aphids can be seen in tested = 412) the sesame with no economicdamage. low = 1.00; high = 8.00 There have been many years in West 1 =<2.4; 1.0% Texas when the cotton aphid has 2 = <3.8; 0.5% decimated thecotton and did not build up 3 = <5.2; 10.7% on adjacent sesame fields. 4= <6.6; 4.8% Higher moisture and fertility increase 5 = >6.5; 83.0% thesusceptibility to aphids. avg. = 7.04, std = 1.35 (42) RESISTANCE TO S70= NT See Methodology for RESISTANCE TO POD BORERS Subjective rating; seeSILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (Character No. (Heliothis spp.) Values for Whitefly40) Amount of resistance to COMMENTS: there have been very pod borersfew years (1985) where the incidence of Heliothis has affected nurseriesor commercial crops. In most years, a few borers can be seen in thesesame with no economic damage. (43) RESISTANCE TO S70 = NT SeeMethodology for RESISTANCE TO ARMY WORMS Subjective rating; seeSILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (Character No. (Spodoptera spp.) Values for Whitefly40) Amount of resistance to COMMENTS: there have been very army wormsfew years (1984-1987) where the incidence of Spodoptera has affectedcommercial crops in Arizona. In Texas, army worms have decimated cottonand alfalfa fields next to sesame without any damage to the sesame. Itis not known if the Arizona army worm is different from the Texas armyworm. (44) RESISTANCE TO S70 = NEC See Methodology for RESISTANCE TOCABBAGE LOOPERS (Lorenzo nursery 2007) SILVERLEAF WHITEFLY (CharacterNo. (Pieris rapae) Subjective rating; see 40) Amount of resistance tovalues for Whitefly COMMENTS: there have been very cabbage loopers fewyears (1992-1993) where the incidence of cabbage loopers has affectednurseries. In commercial sesame, cabbage loopers have been observed withno economic damage. ^(a)Uvalde nursery planted north of Uvalde, Texas(latitude 29°22′ north, longitude 99°47′ west, 226 m elev) in middle tolate May to early June from 1988 to the present; mean rainfall is 608 mmannually with a mean of 253 mm during the growing season; temperaturesrange from an average low of 3° C. and an average high of 17° C. inJanuary to an average low of 22° C. and an average high of 37° C. inJuly. The nursery was planted on 96 cm beds from 1988 to 1997 and on 76cm beds from 1988 to the present. The nursery was pre-irrigated and hashad 2-3 post-plant irrigations depending on rainfall. The fertility hasvaried from 30-60 units of nitrogen. ^(b)Lorenzo nursery plantedsoutheast of Lubbock, Texas (latitude 33°40′ north, longitude 101°49′west, 1000 m elev) in mid June from 2004 to the present; mean rainfallis 483 mm annually with a mean of 320 mm during the growing season;temperatures range from an average low of −4° C. and an average high of11° C. in January to an average low of 20° C. and an average high of 33°C. in July. The nursery was planted on 101 cm beds. The nursery wasrainfed. The fertility was 30 units of nitrogen.

In developing sesame varieties for the United States, there are sevencharacters that are desirable for successful crops: SHAKER SHATTERRESISTANCE (Character No. 23), IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING(Character No. 26), COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 35), DAYSTO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY (Character No. 30), YIELD AT DRYDOWN(Character 11), SEED COLOR (Character No. 33), and SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDSFROM 10CAP TEST (Character No. 34). The first four characters contributeto YIELD AT DRYDOWN which is the most important economic factor normallyconsidered by a farmer in the selection of a variety. The last twocharacters determine the market value of the seed.

SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE and IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATINGdetermine how well the plants will retain the seed while they are dryingdown in adverse weather.

COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE determines whether the plants can finish theircycle and have the optimum seed fill.

DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY determines how far north and to whichelevation the varieties can be grown.

In improving the characters, the YIELD AT DRYDOWN has to be comparableto or better than current varieties, or provide a beneficial improvementfor a particular geographical or market niche.

In the United States and Europe, the SEED COLOR is important since over95% of the market requires white or buff seed. There are limited marketsfor gold and black seed in the Far East. All other colors can only beused in the oil market.

SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM 10CAP TEST determines the market for theseed. Lack of COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE can reduce SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDSFROM 10CAP TEST. In parts of the United States where there is littlerain in dry years, the lack of moisture can reduce the SEED WEIGHT—100SEEDS FROM 10CAP TEST.

There are other characters important in developing commercial sesamevarieties explained in Langham, D. R. and T. Wiemers, 2002. “Progress inmechanizing sesame in the US through breeding”, In: J. Janick and A.Whipkey (ed.), Trends in new crops and new uses, ASHS Press, Alexandria,Va. BRANCHING STYLE (Character No. 1), HEIGHT OF PLANT (Character No.5), HEIGHT OF FIRST CAPSULE (Character No. 6), and PRESENCE OF PYGMYGENE (Character No. 10) are important in combining. CAPSULE ZONE LENGTH(Character No. 7), NUMBER OF CAPSULE NODE PAIRS (Character No. 8),AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULE ZONE (Character No. 9), and SEEDWEIGHT PER CAPSULE (Character No. 19) are important in creatingpotential YIELD AT DRYDOWN (Character No. 11). LEAF DIMENSIONS(Characters No. 13, 14, 15, and 16) are important in determining optimumpopulations.

NUMBER OF CAPSULES PER LEAF AXIL (Character No. 2), NUMBER OF CARPELSPER CAPSULE (Character No. 17), CAPSULE LENGTH (Character No. 18),CAPSULE WEIGHT PER CAPSULE (Character No. 20), and CAPSULE WEIGHT PER CMOF CAPSULE (Character No. 21) are important in breeding for VISUAL SEEDRETENTION (Character No. 22) and IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING(Character No. 26) which lead to testing for SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE(Character No. 23) and determining the CAPSULE SHATTERING TYPE(Character No. 24), NON-DEHISCENT TEST (Character 25) and IMPROVEDNON-DEHISCENT TEST (Character No. 27).

DAYS TO FLOWERING (Character No. 28), DAYS TO FLOWER TERMINATION(Character No. 29), DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY (Character No. 30),and MATURITY CLASS (Character No. 3) are highly correlated and importantin determining the phenology and geographical range for the variety.

DAYS TO DIRECT HARVEST (Character No. 31) is important in that once theplants reach physiological maturity there is no weather event that willincrease yield and many weather events that may substantially lower theyield. A shorter drying phase increases yield. PLANT PHENOTYPE(Character No. 4) is a summary character of characters 1, 2, and 3 thatallows an overall visualization of the line.

RESISTANCE TO DROUGHT (Character No. 12) becomes important in reducingyield and seed weight. Even though there was a drought in the growingareas in 2006 and 2008, there has not been a drought in nurseriesplanted since 2000 because of irrigation. LODGING RESISTANCE (CharacterNo. 32) is important in years when there are high winds in the growingareas. The resistance characters (Characters No. 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41,42, 43, and 44) are important in reducing the losses from diseases andpests.

Over the past 32 years, Sesaco has tested over 3,000 introductions fromall over the world. Commercial samples have been obtained from China,India, Sudan, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan,Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Egypt, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua,Venezuela, Thailand, Turkey, Upper Volta, Uganda, Mali, Kenya,Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Philippines, Colombia, Ivory Coast,Gambia, Somalia, Eritrea, Paraguay, Bolivia, and El Salvador. Additionalresearch seed has been received from the commercial countries and frommany other countries such as Australia, Iraq, Iran, Japan, Russia,Jordan, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Argentina, Peru,Brazil, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Gabon, Greece, Italy, SouthKorea, Libya, Nepal, Zaire, England and Tanzania. Research seed receivedfrom one country may have originated from another unspecified country.All of the commercial and research introductions have CAPSULE SHATTERINGTYPE (Character No. 24) of shattering, “SHA”.

Using selected characters from Table II, Table III provides a characterdifferentiation between S70 and name cultivars from all over the world.

TABLE III Character Differentiation of Various Sesame Varieties ^(a)Character Rating Name cultivars tested by Sesaco CAPSULE SHATTERING SHAEliminate the following from the world: TYPE From Venezuela: Venezuela51, Venezuela (Character No. 24) 52, Guacara, Aceitera, Inamar,Acarigua, Morada, Capsula Larga, Arawaca, Piritu, Glauca, Turen, DV9,Fonucla, UCLA From Mexico: Pachequeno, Yori, Anna, Teras, Denisse,Canasta, Tehvantepeter From India: TMV1, TMV3 From Turkey: Ozberk,Muganli, Gamdibi, Marmara From Israel: DT45 From Guatemala: R198, R30From Paraguay: Escoba and INIA. From Texas: Llano, Margo, Dulce, Blanco,Paloma, Oro, Renner 1 and 2, Early Russian From California: UCR3, UCR4,Eva, Calinda (Cal Beauty) From Thailand: KU18 From Korea: Danback,Gwansan, Pungyiong, Suweon, Yuseong, Hanseon, Ahnsan, Kwangsan, Jinback,Pungsan, Sodan, Yangheuk, Konheuk, Whaheuck, Sungboon SSH Eliminate fromSesaco: S02, S03, S04, S05, S06, S07, S08, S09, S10, S12, S14 IDEliminate the following from the world: From Venezuela: G2, Morada idFrom Texas: Rio, Delco, Baco, Improved Baco, Roy, Eli From SouthCarolina: Palmetto From California: UCR234 From Sesaco: S01 SR Allothers, go to NON-DEHISCENT TEST NON-DEHISCENT TEST XX Eliminate fromSesaco: S11, S15, S16, S17, (Character No. 25) S18, S19, S20, S21 ND Allothers to the Improved NON-DEHISCENT TEST IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT ZZEliminate from Sesaco: 11W, 19A, S22, S23, TEST (Character No. 27) S24,S25, S26, S28, S29, S55 (all of these lines and varieties have beendisclosed in previous patents, and there are no lines or varieties thatare not included.) IND From Sesaco: S27, S30, S32, and S70, go toPRESENCE OF PYGMY GENE PRESENCE OF PYGMY NO Eliminate from Sesaco: S27,S30, and S32 GENE YES S70. Go to Table IV to compare characters affectedby the pygmy gene: HEIGHT OF PLANT (Character No 5), HEIGHT OF FIRSTCAPSULE (Character No 6), and AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULEZONE (Character No 9) ^(a) SHA = shattering; SSH = semi-shattering; ID =indehiscent; SR = shatter resistant; XX = not non-dehiscent according tothe teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452; ND = non-dehiscent accordingto the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452; ZZ = not Improvednon-dhiscent; IND = improved non-dehiscent according to the teachings ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/041,257

Table IV compares the critical pygmy characters against the previouslypatented Sesaco varieties grown side by side in the 2008 Uvalde nurseryin four replications. S70 is considerably shorter with a lower height ofthe first capsule, more capsule node pairs, and a shorter internodelength than all previously developed Sesaco varieties.

TABLE IV Comparison of S70 to previously patented sesame varieties No.Character S25 S26 S27 S28 S29 S30 S32 S55 S70 5 HEIGHT OF PLANT (cm) 123135 124 126 124 131 145 123 85 6 HEIGHT OF FIRST CAPSULE (cm) 49 53 5253 44 43 53 53 27 8 NUMBER OF CAPSULE NODE PAIRS 21 22 25 22 23 24 25 2428 9 AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH 3.5 3.8 2.9 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.6 3.0 2.1 WITHINCAPSULE ZONE (cm) 10 PRESENCE OF PYGMY GENE NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO YES

Table V compares S70 to S26, S28, S30, S32, and S55, the currentcommercial varieties. When specified by year and nursery, the lines weregrown side by side. The table is in terms of all of the characterslisted in Table II. The major differences in Table V are indicated inthe “Dif” column by a “C” for commercially important differences and an“M” for morphological differences.

TABLE V Character Comparison of S26, S28, S30, S32, S55 and S70^(a) No.Character Year/nursery S26 S28 S30 S32 S55 S70 Dif 1 Branching Stylegenotype All B B U B B B phenotype All B B U B B U 2 Number of Capsulesper Leaf Axil All 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 Maturity Class Adjusted PM 99 99 98 9898 98 2005-2008 UV M M M M M M 4 Plant Phenotype All B1M B1M U1M B1M B1MU1M 5 Height of Plant (cm) 2008 UV 135 126 131 145 123 85 C 6 Height ofFirst Capsule (cm) 2008 UV 53 53 43 53 53 27 C 7 Capsule Zone Length(cm) 2008 UV 81 72 88 91 70 58 C 8 Number of Capsule Node pairs 2008 UV22 22 24 25 24 28 C 9 Average Internode Length within 2008 UV 3.8 3.43.6 3.6 3.0 2.1 C Capsule Zone (cm) 10 Presence of pygmy alleles All NoNo No No No Yes C 11 Yield at Drydown (kg/ha) 2008 UV 1,429 1,381 1,4741,556 1,253 1,220 C 2008 LO 429 511 676 593 514 742 C 12 Resistance toDrought 2000 SA Good Good NT NT NT NT 13 Leaf Length (cm)  5^(th)-2008UV 28.1 23.0 16.3 25.5 20.7 14.3 M 10^(th)-2008 UV 22.3 18.0 18.5 18.319.7 15.6 M 15^(th)-2008 UV 15.9 13.7 15.0 14.1 14.5 13.6 14 Leaf BladeLength (cm)  5^(th)-2008 UV 16.6 13.8 10.7 14.8 13.6 10.2 10^(th)-2008UV 16.8 14.4 14.3 14.7 15.4 13.2 M 15^(th)-2008 UV 13.3 11.5 12.5 12.211.9 11.5 15 Leaf Blade Width (cm)  5^(th)-2008 UV 23.0 18.0 10.5 13.810.0 6.0 M 10^(th)-2008 UV 5.4 3.6 3.0 3.0 4.1 3.3 15^(th)-2008 UV 2.62.0 2.0 1.6 2.7 2.2 16 Petiole Length (cm)  5^(th)-2008 UV 11.5 9.2 5.610.7 7.1 4.1 M 10^(th)-2008 UV 5.5 3.6 4.2 3.6 4.3 3.3 15^(th)-2008 UV2.6 2.3 2.4 2.0 2.6 2.2 17 Number of Carpels per Capsule All 2 2 2 2 2 218 Capsule Length (cm) 1997-2008 All 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.13 2.40 2.11 19Seed Weight per Capsule (g) 1997-2008 All 0.233 0.227 0.260 0.228 0.2110.221 20 Capsule Weight per Capsule (g) 1997-2008 All 0.162 0.162 0.1670.147 0.149 0.133 M 21 Capsule Weight per cm of 1997-2008 All 0.0720.072 0.073 0.069 0.062 0.063 Capsule (g) 22 Visual Seed Retention All WW I I W I C 23 Shaker Shatter Resistance % 1997-2008 All 73.0 75.0 77.875.8 70.8 77.4 C 24 Capsule Shattering Type All SR SR SR SR SR SR 25Non-dehiscent Test All ND ND ND ND ND ND 26 Improved Non-dehiscent 2008UV 6.5 6.2 7.2 7.0 6.8 7.5 C visual rating 2008 LO 6.3 6.3 7.4 7.2 7.07.4 C 27 Improved Non-dehiscent Test All ZZ ZZ IND IND ZZ IND C 28 Daysto Flowering 2008 UV 50 48 36 38 40 38 29 Days to Flower Termination2008 UV 83 82 75 77 77 74 30 Days to Physiological Maturity 2008 UV 110109 101 106 99 98 C 31 Days to Direct Harvest 2008 UV 146 146 139 141149 141 32 Lodging Resistance 2007 UV 6.6 7.0 7.3 6.2 7.4 7.3 C 2007 LO5.0 5.3 7.9 7.1 8.0 8.0 C 33 Seed Color All BF BF BF BF BLK BF C 34 SeedWeight-100 Seeds from 1997-2008 All 0.330 0.329 0.317 0.311 0.328 0.326C 10 cap test (g) 35 Composite Kill Resistance 2008 UV 7.3 7.3 6.9 6.56.8 7.2 C 36 Resistance to Fusarium Wilt NT NT NT NT NT NT (F.oxysporum) 37 Resistance to Phytophtora NT NT NT NT NT NT Stem Rot (P.parasitica) 38 Resistance to Charcoal Rot NT NT NT NT NT NT(Macrophomina phaseoli) 39 Resistance to Bacterial Black 2004 UV 7.0 7.08.0 8.0 NT NT Rot (Pseudomonas sesami) 40 Resistance to Silverleaf 2007UV NEC NEC NEC NEC NEC NEC Whitefly (Bemisia argentifolii) 41 Resistanceto Green Peach 2004 UV 8.0 7.9 8.0 5.5 NT NT Aphid (Myzus persica) 42Resistance to Pod Borer 2001 UV NEC NT NT NT NT NT (Heliothis spp.) 43Resistance to Army Worms NT NT NT NT NT NT (Spodoptera spp.) 44Resistance to Cabbage 2007 LO NEC NEC NEC NEC NEC NEC Loaners (Pierisrapae) ^(a)B = true branches; U = uniculm (no true branches); UV =Uvalde nursery; M = medium maturity class of 95-104 days; B1M =phenotype of true branches, single capsules per leaf axil, and mediummaturity class of 95-104 days; U1M = phenotype of uniculm, singlecapsules per leaf axil, and medium maturity class of 95-104 days; LO =Lorenzo nursery; NT = not tested; W = weather visual seed retention >75%; SR = shatter resistant; ND = non-dehiscent; ZZ = not improvednon-dehiscent; IND = improved non-dehiscent; BF = buff color; BLK =black color; and NEC = no economic damage-not enough disease or insectsto do ratings.

The characters SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE (Character No. 23), IMPROVEDNON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING (Character No. 26), HEIGHT OF PLANT(Character No. 5), HEIGHT OF FIRST CAPSULE (Character No. 6), CAPSULEZONE LENGTH (Character No. 7), NUMBER OF CAPSULE NODE PAIRS (CharacterNo. 8), AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULE ZONE (Character No. 9),PRESENCE OF PYGMY ALLELES (Character No. 10), COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE(Character No. 35), DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY (Character No. 30),YIELD AT DRYDOWN (Character No. 11), LODGING RESISTANCE (Character No.32), SEED COLOR (Character No. 33), and SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM 10CAPTEST (Character No. 34) will be discussed further below with respect tothe patented varieties S25, S26, S27, S28, S29, S30, S32, and S55.

FIG. 2 provides the SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE (Character No. 23). Thevarieties patented have SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE in the low to high70s. Selection criteria for 10cap testing are based in VISUAL SEEDRETENTION (Character No. 22). The 10cap testing provides the SHAKERSHATTER RESISTANCE percentages. The S70 SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE isclose to S30 and higher than the other commercial varieties.

FIG. 3 provides the IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUAL RATING (Character No.26) which provides the data for the IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT TEST(Character No. 27). SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE (Character No. 23)represents the amount of seed that is retained by the plant severalmonths after being dry in the field. This standard was developed as aminimum standard in 1997-1998 and has proven to be a good predictor ofshatter resistance. However, when the plants have reached DAYS TO DIRECTHARVEST (Character No. 31), the plants are holding more than the seedrepresented by the SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE percentage. If there is norain, fog, dew, or wind during the drying phase, the plants will beretaining almost all of their seed for the combine. However, in theUnited States, rain and wind are prevalent in the Fall as the sesame isdrying. From the time that a capsule is dry, the amount of shatterresistance begins to deteriorate. The IMPROVED NON-DEHISCENT VISUALRATING sets a new benchmark for selecting varieties: the line has tohave a rating of 7 or higher 4 weeks after DAYS TO DIRECT HARVEST (theideal harvest time). S30, S32, and S70 are the only commercial varietiesthat meet this new standard as shown in FIG. 3 which compared thepatented varieties in a side by side comparison in two nurseries in2008.

FIG. 4 provides the plant architecture by depicting the HEIGHT OF THEFIRST CAPSULE (Character No. 6) and the CAPSULE ZONE LENGTH (CharacterNo. 7). Together, these add up to the HEIGHT OF PLANT (Character No. 5).The PRESENCE OF PYGMY ALLELES (Character No. 10) determines theexpression of these three characters. The HEIGHT OF PLANT is importantin combining the crop in that when plants are tall, the reel on theheader will push the plants forward before pulling them back into theheader. This rough handling of the plants shakes seed out in front ofthe combine which falls to the ground before the header can reach thefalling seed. With the short HEIGHT OF PLANT of S70, the reel pulls theplants into the header without pushing them away first, and thus, thereis less shattering in front of the combine. Although the HEIGHT OF FIRSTCAPSULE is shorter than the rest of the varieties, there is still enoughspace for the combine header to get under the lowest capsule in mostenvironments. The exception is hilly terrain which to a certain extentalso affects the other varieties.

FIG. 5 provides the AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULE ZONE(Character No. 9). In the world germplasm there are many short linesthat do not have commercially suitable yields because the short heightlimits the amount of production on the plant. The pygmy gene shortensthe AVERAGE INTERNODE LENGTH WITHIN CAPSULE ZONE allowing a higherNUMBER OF CAPSULE NODE PAIRS (Character No. 8). S70 has a higher numberof node pairs than the patented varieties as shown in FIG. 6 comparingthe lines in a side-by-side comparison. The pygmy alleles allow for thishigher number, but not all pygmy lines have a higher number. Conversely,there are very tall lines that have more node pairs than S70, but theselines are difficult to combine because of their HEIGHT OF PLANT.

FIG. 7 provides the COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 35).COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE is a composite rating of resistance to threeroot rots: Fusarium, Phytophtora, and Macrophomina. In most years,Fusarium is the major cause of kill. When sesame is first introducedinto a growing area, there are few disease problems, but over time thespores of these fungi accumulate, and disease resistance becomesimportant. When sesame was first introduced in Uvalde in 1988, theyields were high. As farmers planted on the same fields in subsequentyears, the yields decreased. S70 has a commercially acceptable COMPOSITEKILL RESISTANCE and better than all but 2 of the patented varieties.

FIG. 8 provides the mean DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY (Character No.30). In the United States, sesame is currently grown from South Texas tomid Kansas. The growing window of a crop is determined by the earliestthe crop can be planted in the spring as the ground warms up, and theonset of cold weather in the fall. Current sesame varieties requireabout 21° C. ground temperature to establish an adequate population. Inmost years, the ground is warm enough in South Texas in middle April andin southern Kansas in late May. Current sesame varieties require nighttemperatures above 5° C. for normal termination. In most years, thenight temperatures are warm enough in South Texas until middle Novemberand in southern Kansas until middle October. There have been years whencold fronts affect the growth of sesame in the middle of September inthe north. East of Lubbock, Tex., the elevations begin climbing towardsthe Rocky Mountains, and there are later warm temperatures in the springand earlier cold temperatures in the fall. In all years, if the sesameis planted as early as temperatures allow, lines with DAYS TOPHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY of 105 days or less will have no problems.However, most areas are rainfed, and it is essential to have a plantingrain before planting the sesame. Thus, the earlier the DAYS TOPHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY of the variety, the more flexibility the farmershave with planting date. The DAYS TO PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY for S70 is98 days which allows it to be planted in all of the current sesamegrowing areas. It also comparable to the S25 variety which was theearliest commercial ND variety in the United States.

FIG. 9 provides the mean YIELD AT DRYDOWN (Character 11) in Uvalde andLorenzo in 2008. In releasing a new variety, another importantconsideration is whether the yields (YIELD AT DRYDOWN) will becomparable or better than the existing varieties. The yields of S70 arelower than most of the current commercial varieties in Uvalde and otherareas with high moisture, but in areas with low moisture such asLorenzo, S70 has outyielded the other commercial lines for the pastthree years. By being shorter, S70 devotes less resources to makingstems, leaves, and capsules, and is able to direct the scarce moistureinto making more seed.

FIG. 10 provides the mean SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM THE 10CAP TEST(Character No. 34). For the past 30 years, the lower threshold for seedsize in the U.S. markets has been 0.30g. All of the patented varietiessurpass this threshold. The hulled market is the premium use of sesamein the United States and Europe. In recent years, hulled sesameprocessors have been increasing the specifications of SEED WEIGHT—100SEEDS FROM THE 10CAP TEST to between 0.33 and 0.35 g, with the largerseed preferable for hulled products used on top of breads and buns. Todate, the Sesaco varieties with the highest SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROMTHE 10CAP TEST have had marginal SHAKER SHATTER RESISTANCE (CharacterNo. 23) and poor COMPOSITE KILL RESISTANCE (Character No. 35). Mostmarkets have no specifications on seed weight, but larger seed is stilldesirable. The mean SEED WEIGHT—100 SEEDS FROM THE 10CAP TEST for S70 iscomparable to the premier seed of S26 and S28 and meets thespecifications for the majority of the U.S. market.

FIG. 11 provides the LODGING RESISTANCE (Character No. 32). In theUnited States sesame growing areas there are strong winds that affectall crops. The wind speed is dependent on the height from the groundwith lower speeds closer to the ground. With a low HEIGHT OF PLANT(Character No. 5) S70 sesame presents a lower profile to the wind andthus has a good rating for lodging.

SEED COLOR (Character No. 33) is the last important character and S70 isthe same (buff) as the other commercial varieties.

The leaf dimensions (LEAF LENGTH—Character No. 13, LEAF BLADELENGTH—Character No. 14, LEAF BLADE WIDTH—Character No. 15, and PETIOLELENGTH—Character No. 16) are somewhat smaller than previously developedND and IND varieties. However, it has been found that the leaf area isadequate for photosynthesis required to produce a commercially suitableyield. The CAPSULE WEIGHT PER CAPSULE (Character No. 24) ismorphologically different from the other varieties in Table V. However,though useful for morphology the capsule weight per capsule does notprovide a commercially significant variable.

S70 exhibits similar values for other characteristics noted or testedfor ND and IND varieties, except those discussed above.

On May 14, 2008, a deposit of at least 2500 seeds of sesame plant S70was made by Sesaco Corporation under the provisions of the BudapestTreaty with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, and the deposit wasgiven ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272. This deposit will be maintained inthe ATCC depository for a period of 30 years or 5 years after the lastrequest or for the enforceable life of the patent, whichever is longer.Should the seeds from the sesame line S70 deposited with the AmericanType Culture Collection become nonviable, the deposit will be replacedby Sesaco Corporation upon request.

The foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way ofillustration and characters for purposes of clarity and understanding.However, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications maybe practiced within the scope of the invention as limited only by thescope of the appended claims.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. A seed of sesame variety designated S70, a sample ofsaid seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272.
 10. Asesame plant produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S70, asample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No.PTA-9272.
 11. Pollen of said sesame plant of claim
 10. 12. A sesameplant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics ofsesame variety S70, a sample of the seed of said variety having beendeposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272.
 13. A tissue culture ofregenerable cells produced from seed of sesame variety S70, a sample ofsaid seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272.
 14. Atissue culture of regenerable cells produced from sesame plant S70produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S70, a sample of saidseed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272.
 15. Asesame plant regenerated from a tissue culture of regenerable cellsproduced from seed of sesame variety S70, a sample of said seed havingbeen deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272, wherein saidregenerated sesame plant has all the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of said sesame variety S70.
 16. A sesame plantregenerated from a tissue culture of regenerable cells produced from asesame plant produced by growing the seed of sesame variety S70, asample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No.PTA-9272, wherein said regenerated sesame plant has all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of said sesame varietyS70.
 17. A method of producing sesame seed, comprising crossing a firstparent sesame plant with a second parent sesame plant and harvesting theresultant sesame seed, wherein said first or second parent sesame plantwas produced by growing seed of sesame variety S70, a sample of saidseed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-9272.